
Qass. 
Book. 



THE 



HISTORY OF NORWAY: 



COMPRISING A 



MINUTE ACCOUNT OF ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, TOWN 

OFFICERS, THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURES OF THE TOAVN, WITH 

OTHER STATISTICAL MATTERS: 



INTERSPERSED WITH 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES, 



-NARRATIVE AND ANECDOTE, AND OCCASIONAL REMARKS 
BY THE AUTHOR. 



BY DAVID NOYES. 



NORWAY: 
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1852. 



GEORGE W. SSILLETT, PRINTER^ 

ADVERTISER PRESS, 

NORWAY VILLAGE. 






PREFACE. 



I suppose I must write a preface before I enter one step 
on my work, and teU '*(^'hy I am going to write a book, and 
vhat I am going to write about. The wJiy is because many 
of our good citizens wish for such a work ; but the what is 
more than I can tell, as I may feel very differently to-mor- 
row from what I do to-day ; and therefore I am unable to tell 
in what kind of a channel my ideas may take a notion to flow. 
But first, I intend to give as minute an account of the early 
settlement of the town as the best data in my possession will 
enable me to do ; and also of the expenditures of the town 
for the benefit of its inhabitants ; the immigration of new 
settlers since the commencement of the settlement ; the acci- 
dents, and remarkable incidents, that have taken place ; histor- 
ical sketches, narrative and anecdote, occasionally interspersed 
with just such ideas as happen to run in my noddle while 
writing. I shall not attempt to tell a good story, or to crack 
a good joke, for the sake of producing a good hearty laugh ; 
for such things always hit somewhere ; but I am bound to 
get along Avithout running against anybody, if I can help it. 
I intend to tell the truth as far as I tell anything : I shall 
"naught extenuate, nor set down aught in malice," and intend 
to wholly avoid bringing any ^'railing accusation" against 
any one. I humbly acknowledge the many kindnesses re- 
ceived from different individuals in furnishing me with facts 



IV PREFACE. 

and materials, as they Avere able, for the commenceiiKnit and 
prosecution of the "work ; among -which persons are first, 
Samuel Ames, (he has almost been my standing register 
• about the first settlement.) and also Benjamin Flint, Aaron 
Wilkins, Darius Holt, Nathaniel Bennett, Joel Frost, John 
Pike, Daniel Knight, Jr., and Daniel Stevens; and among 
the females are the widow Olive Stevens, ]Mrs. Ruth Lovejoy, 
Mrs. Mary Stevens, the Avife of Jonas Stevens, and Mrs. 
I\Iary Ordway, the wife of Amos Ordway ; — as they were the 
children of the very fir si settlers, and were old enough to 
retain their early impressions about matters and things of 
those early times. Mrs. Mercy A. ^Miitman has my warmest 
thanks for her carefully-preserved record of the deaths in the 
town since 1820. The town authorities are kindly thanked 
for the use of the Selectmen's books ; and the town Clerk for 
his records since 1843, and the same to the Treasurer. 

The several religious societies will accept my thanks for 
their aid generously furnished me, and with my warm thanks, 
a warmer wish, that our Heavenly Father may always con- 
tinue to smile propitiously on them, and fit them, viore than 
ever, for the full enjoyment of a blessed immortality. 

To the officers of the Militia (I can 't find any now, but I 
have found the old books) I present my thanks for the old 
records ; and all the officers of the Militia are entitled to 
much praise for the correctness with which the books have 
been kept. To be sure, we all desire to see the time " when 
men shall learn war no more," but perhaps it may be well to 
keep the " tools ready " for fear they may be wanted. 

And this scrawl I am going to call my preface to the fol- 
lowing work, wliich I shall humbly inscribe to the good 
citizens of NorAvay, hoping it will affi)rd them as much 2)leas- 
iire in reading, as it has affi)rded me labor in writing. It is 
possible that some things arc noted which some may not de- 
sire ; and that other things are omitted which some would 
like to see ; but I can "t help that ; I never bargained to suii 



PREFACE,. V 

everybodV. Doubtless there are some mistakes in regard to 
dates, but instead of wondering at a few mistakes, it should 
be a. greater wonder that there are not more ; for on an ex- 
amimition of the work, it will be readily seen, that I have 
had a great many ''irons in the fire" at the same time. 
Many; of the new immigrants probably came into the town 
some months, and possibly a year before they are named, as 
I name them Avhen they appear on the tax-books. Many of 
the old settlers' sons, perhaps, do not appear in the year when 
they arrived at 21 years of age, as many of them, possibly, 
went off to work, out of town, for a year and perhaps several 
years : and in some instances they may be classed among iho 
new immigrants ; but I hope such trivial matters will give no 
unpleasant feelings to any one, or in any degree detract fi'om 
the merits or usefulness of the work. The town has kindly 
afforded me a shelter and a home for nearly half a century ; 
so long, that it seems to me that I have become a '• part and 
parcel" of the same : and should it. ever be so ordained, in. 
Providence, that I should leave the place, I know I should 
feel a " longing for the flesh-pots " of old Korway, for '• with. 
all thy faults I love thee still." 

The citizens of Norway will please to accept my thanks 
for the many favors received during a long series of years, 
and should you be pleased to liberally patronize the present 
work, it will greatly serve to smooth the down-hill of life, 
which I am fast descending, and will be productive of the 
lasting gratitude of 

Your, most obedient and humble servant, 

DAVID NOYES. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 



Tiili town of Norway ia made up of tlie following tracts, 
or grants of land, Viz : the tract of land formerly known as 
Rustfield, purchased by Henry Rust, of Salem, Massachu- 
setts, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in December j 
1787, estimated at six thousand acres ; the Lee Grant^ esti- 
mated at six thousand acres exclusive of water ; the Cummingg 
Gore, containing about three thousand and six hundred acres ; 
iand three tiers of lots taken from the easterly side of the 
town of Waterford, viz : a strip one mile and a half wide, 
and seven miles long, estimated to contain six thousand seven 
hundred and twenty acres ; and another tract called the 
"Gore," or " Rust's Gore," lying south of the Waterford 
three tiers, and bordering on the northerly line of Otisfield, 
containing about seventeen hundred acres more or less, making 
in the whole a trifle over twenty-four thousand acres ; bat at 
that time it was rather a custom to make quite liberal meas- 
ure in eastern lands, therefoi-e we may safely calculate' the 
quantity to be, at least, twenty-five thousand acres, or more. 
The Waterford three tiers, and the "Rust Gore," last de- 
scribed, lying south of the three tiers, form the westerly side 
of the town, making the whole length eight miles and one 
hundred and thirty-eight rods. The Lee Grant lies in the 
northeast corner of the town, the Cummings Gore between 
the Lee Grant and the northerly part of the Waterford three 



8 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

tiers, and that part called Rustficld lies south of the Lee 
Grant and the Cummings Gore, being the southerly part of 
•what is now called the town of Norway, 

The Cummings Gore proper, or what is now known as the 
Cummings Gore, did not extend south any farther than the 
southerly line of the old Major Cummings form, now owned 
by Amos T. Holt ; but there* is a gore of land lying south of 
the Cummings Gore, extending from the southerly line of the 
Cummings Gore proper about two hundred and eighty rods 
on the Lee line to the northerly line of llustfield, and about 
one hundred and ninety rods on the easterly line of the Wa- 
terford three tiers, and one mile and a half east and west, 
which was at first in dispute between Henry Rust, the pro- 
prietor of Rustfield, and Jonathan Cummings, the proprietor 
of the Cummings Gore ; but by an arrangement between the 
parties the land was held by the said Cummings. I have 
been thus minute in pointing out the different tracts and pieces 
of land now composing the town of Norway, in order that 
the reader, and those interested in the first settlement, may 
the better know Avhere the early settlers commenced operations 
when they came into the wilderness to found a home for 
themselves and posterity. 

1786. — This year five individuals, viz : Joseph Stevens, 
Jonas Stevens, Jeremiah Hobbs, Amos Hobbs, and George 
Lessley, from the town of Gray, came into the place, and 
felled trees on the tract called Rustfield, excepting Jeremiah 
Hobbs. who commenced on the lot easterly of where the 
Congregational meeting-house now stands, and then supposed 
to be within the limits of what was afterwards called Rust- 
field ; George Lessley commenced on what has since been 
known as the Isaiah Hall farm, now owned and occupied by 
William Frost, 3d, and brothers ; Amos Hobbs commenced 
on the farm where his youngest son, Amos Hobbs, now lives ; 
Joseph Stevens commenced where his youngest son, Simon. 
Stevens, now lives ; and Jonas Stevens commenced on th« 



HISTORY OF XORWAY. 9 

place now owned by Amos F. Noyes and Lorenzo D'. 
Hobbs. 

During the first summer and fall, these hardy pioneers of 
the wilderness made Avhat preparations they were able to 
make, in order to move their families the ensuing spring and 
summer ; and from such accounts as the writer can gather, 
Joseph StoA^ens built a small frame house early in the spring 
of 1787, sixteen feet by tAventy ; he split out pine rift clap- 
boards, and clapboarded on the studs, and long-shingled the 
roof, built a stone fire-place high enough on which to lay a 
wooden mantle-piece, and after a short time topped out the 
chimney by Avhat used to be called catting : that is, by laying 
up split sticks, co1)-house fashion, in clay mortar, mixed Avith 
straw, chopped fine, to make it adhere more strongly to the 
sticks. After getting fairly into their ncAV settlement the 
other four built themseh'es houses of the same size and con- 
struction. They split out bassAvood plank and heAved them 
for a floor, and each one brought a board from a mill in Paris, 
on Stony brook, called Jackson's Mill, to make an outside 
door. Some of them had a board AvindoAV AA'hich they could 
take doAA'n in fair Aveather, - and put up in foul, cold Aveather ; 
and some of them say the most stylish had a paper AvindoAv 
made of Avhite paper Avell coated Avith oil, perhaps goose oil. 
At the time these first settlers Avere falling trees, Samuel 
Ames (noAv living in NorAvay Village — then living in Paris, 
;ind tending the first grist-mill built in that tOAvn, on Stony 
brook — and he says he ground the first grist in that mill,) 
came over to Avhat Avas afterAvards called Pustfield, and went 
up the pond, called the great PennesseAvassee, and visited 
them Avhile falling their first trees. Previous to moving into 
the Avilderness, these first settlers moved the principal part of 
their families into what is noAv called Paris, (incorporated in 
1793) and into Shepherdsficld, noAv Hebron and Oxford, that 
they might be nearer their contemplated place of location. 

1787. — In the spring of this year, either the last of April 



10 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

or first of May, Joseph Stevens moved his family, consisting 
of himself, his -wife and four children, Daniel, Jonas, Amy 
and Aphia, (Jonas did not come in at that time, he remaining 
at Gray with his grandfather) into his new habitation. They 
came from their temporary abode to the foot of the pond, and 
then proceeded up the pond in a boat to nearly opposite where 
he had built his rude habitation ; but it being cloudy, and 
ni<^ht coming on sooner than they expected, and having by 
accident got their tinder and fire-works wet, they were unable 
to strike a light ; and having no other guide than a spotted 
line, they were compelled to take up their first night's lodg- 
ing in the woods by the warmest side of a large tree ; and in 
the morning they cheerfully proceeded to their future home. 
The writer has often heard Mrs. Stevens, Aimt Betty, as we 
used to call her, say that she had a grand night's sleep, and 
felt very thankful when they reached their camp, or house. 

George Lessley moved in the next day after Joseph Ste- 
vens, and moved into Stevens' house ; and in a few weeks 
after, say the first of June, Amos Hobbs moved into the 
same house, making only three families in one house, sixteen 
feet by twenty. When Amos Hobbs moved in, they came to 
the foot of the pond at the westerly end of what we noAV 
know as Ames' point, about one hundred rods westerly of 
the mill, on the northerly side of the stream, where they ex- 
pected Joseph Stevens would meet them with a boat ; but it 
being very windy, he did not dare to Venture the voyage ; 
and after waiting awhile, Mr, Hobbs went round by the 
southerly end of the pond up to Mr. Stevens', and they then 
came down with the boat, took the fiimily aboard, and pro- 
ceeded to their habitation, where they all arrived in safety. 
I have lately heai-d a description of their stop on the point, 
"while waiting for the boat nearly half a day, from I\Irs. Jonas 
Stevens, who was the oldest child of Amos Hobbs' family, 
and she said that was the first time she ever saw her mother 
cry. Site then had an infant in her arms, born the ^larch 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 11 

previous, (the infant was Robinson Hobbs) and the mosqui- 
toes and black flies were so numerous that it seemed as though 
they should be devoured. In the intermediate time between 
the moving in of Joseph Stevens and Amos Hobbs, Jonas 
Stevens, in the fore part of May, came in with his family in 
about the same manner ; and Jeremiah Hobbs moved his 
family in September following. 

Perhaps I may as well here mention how the first settlers 
became acquainted with the place, previous to their making a 
settlement. After the close of the revolutionary war, many 
old, middle-aged, and young men found themselves poor^ and 
in rather a poor situation to support their families, and with 
little or nothing to purchase a farm, or even a piece of land 
wherewith to make a permanent home for themselves and 
families. A Mr. James Stinchfield, and Jonas Stevens, (who 
had been a soldier through nearly all the war) and some oth- 
ers, came into the place on a hunting excursion around the 
great PennesscAvassee pond, and other ponds and streams in 
the vicinity ; and seeing the beautiful growth of wood and 
timber, and the indications of a fertile soil, came to the con- 
clusion that, with the smiles of Providence, they could locate 
themselves in this place, then a howling wilderness, and thus 
secure a permanent home for themselves and fomilics ; and it 
appears by subsequent events that their manly exertions were 
ultimately crowned with signal success. 

During the first two years of the early settlement there 
Was no mill in the place, and the settlers were obliged to go 
lo Paris to Jackson's mill on Stony brook, which was but a 
poor, rude apology for a mill, or to what is now called Otis- 
field to what has since been called Ray's mill, where they 
sometimes in the winter went on snow-shoes, with a bushel or 
two on a hand-sled. But to remedy this inconvenience, they 
took a piece of a large hardwood log, about two feet long, and 
dug out a cavity in one end with what they used for a tapping 
iron, (aii article for tapping maple trees for the purpose of 



12 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

making maple sugar) and then burnt out the cavity as smooth 
as possible, and in this pounded their corn into what they 
called samp or hominy ; from that material they made what 
the boys and girls of that day called samp pon-idge, and ate 
it in various ways, and considered it very good, too. 

In the spring after first moving in, Jeremiah Hobbs, who 
had a large family of children, say eight in number, had the 
misfortune to lose his only cow, which they calculated -wouLl 
do much towards the support of his family. This was a se- 
rious loss at that time, and in such circumstances ; and either 
that spring or the next, Mr. Lcssley met with a similar mis- 
fortune ; but Mrs. Lcssley, like a true wom#n, preserved the 
calf by feeding it with gruel, and a little milk obtained from 
her few, but friendly neighbors. Amos Hobbs also met with 
a serious loss about this time ; he had obtained half a bushel 
of corn, which he carried to the Stony biook mill, and had 
to leave it ; when he went for it, the meal, bag and all. "was 
gone — probably to feed some other hungry family. This, 
although very trivial, was a severe loss to liim and family in 
such a time of privation, and almost starvation. Before the 
new crop of grain could be got off to make bread of, Mrs. 
Lessley shelled out wheat by hand and boiled it for food for 
herself and family. Let the mothers of the present day 
render thanks to a kind Providence, that they are not reduced 
to such straits to feed their families. 

Li the summer of 1787, AVilliam Parsons, John Parsons, 
and Benjamin Herring, and also Dudley Pike, came into 
Rustfield, and felled trees in order for a settlement, commence 
ing on the farms where they afterwards lived and died. Ths' 
writer has good reason to believe, from sufficient authority, 
that William Parsons and John Parsons came into Rustfield 
the first of June, 1786, and looked out their respective lots, 
and actually commenced falling trees on the third day of 
June ; the first tree cut down was a large hemlock on John 
Parsons' lot, and the roots of that tree are said to be still ii\ 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. lo 

tlicir ^primitive place — at least they "were till since his death, 
■which took place December 6, 1847, aged 85 years. A short 
time before his death, his sob, George W. Parsons, was 
ploughing in the field where the -old stump had stood from 
the time the first tree in the place was felled, and the old 
gentleman seeing that the old roots Avere about to be torn 
from their bed, entreated his son to spare them Avhile he re- 
mained on the earth, and they were accordingly sacredly pre- 
served. They felled but a small opening in 1786, enlarged 
it the next year, and moved their families as follows. 

1788. — This year Dudley Pike moved his fixmily into 
Rustfield, March 26, and had scarcely got into his humble 
habitation, when the three other pioneers, William Parsons, 
John Parsons, and Benjamin Herring, arrived at his house, 
that is, at night on the 27th of J\larch ; and .the road not 
being quite as good as at this time, they put up with him for 
the night, and the next day proceeded to their own habita- 
tions, which were nothing but humble log houses. About 
this time, Lemuel Shed and a Mr, Jonathan Stickney com- 
menced on two adjoining lots on the Waterford plantation, 
which is now the Waterford three tier-s ; Stickney on the 
farm where Benjamin Flint nov,' lives, and Shed where John 
S. Shed now lives, which is on the Waterford three tiers, and 
now on the old County road leading from Swift's Corner to 
Waterford. Shed camped with Stickney on the Flint farm. 

Lemuel Shed was a soldier through about all the revolu- 
tionary war, and Avas, as, he has often told the writer, one of 
Washington's life-guards ; and previous to the taking of Bur- 
goyne, he Avas sent from Washington's head-quarters Avith an 
express to General Gates. He had to pass through a portion 
of country thickly infested Avith torics, and run many risks 
and liair-breadth escapes ; finally he had to leap from his 
horse and abandon him, and make his escape the best Avay he 
could — Avhich he did by taking shelter behind a sheet of Avater 
•which fell over a cataract, leaving an open space behind the 



14 HISTORY OF NORWAY, 

water ; and after remaining until the search for him was 
over, pursued his way on foot, and delivered his message ac- 
cording to orders ; and it is possible that the subsequent 
important victory might, in some measure, depend on the 
advices carried by this faithful soldier. 

Previous to the building of the mills, Samuel Ames built 
liim a camp, about on the spot where the mill-shed now 
stands, Avhich served for a shelter while at work on the mill. 
This was the first shelter, or camp, built in what is now Norr 
way Village ; it was built by putting down in the ground 
three posts of a proper height, and cutting off a birch tree 
at the same height fcr the fourth post, a|id covered with bark. 

On the 17th day of October, 1787, Sarah Stevens, the 
daughter of Jonas Stev^ens, was born. She was the first 
white child born in the place, and the eighth child of the 
family, and is now the wife of Jonathan Edwards, of Otis-? 
field. The first male child born in the place, was Joseph. 
Stevens, the son of Joseph Stevens, who was born May 31st, 

1788. Ebenezer Hobbs, the son of Amos Hobbs, was the 
next child born jn the place ; he was born August 24th, 

1789. Nathan Noble came into the place probably in the 
spring, this year, ^nd had a child born the same year, which 
died in infancy. 

"Naithaniel Stevens felled trees in the same year that his 
l)rothers, Joseph and Jonas, moved into the place, and moved 
liis family in 1788. His lot was westerly of Jeremiah Hobbs' 
Jot, and his first habitation was about northwesterly of where 
the meeting-house now stands. Soon after he moved in, he 
had the misfortune to get his leg broken while falling trees, 
and his wife and three small children Avere left in a very des- 
titute condition ; as the few new settlers had scarcely enough 
for their own faanilies, and provisions had to be brought from 
a considerable distance, even if these new settlers had the 
wherewith it® pay for the same. Mrs. Stevens about this 
time was reduced to such necessity fof food, that she felt 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 15 

herself justified in digging up a feAV potatoes from the hills 
■where they had been recently planted by her neighbor, Mr. 
Jeremiah Hobbs, in order to feed her hungry children. Al- 
though Mr. Stevens was so unfortunate, he was not forsaken 
by his few neighbors, who generously turned out and felled 
trees for him, and assisted in taking care of the little crop he 
had put into the ground ; and although Mrs. Stevens dug up 
her neighbor's potatoes, let no one think amiss of her moral 
character on that account, as all her neighbors can not speak 
otherwise than well of her through a long life. 

In 1789, Capt. Henry Rust, the proprietor of Rustfield, 
commenced building a grist and saAV-mill on the same site 
noAV improved for similar mills at the upper end of Norway 
Village. The grist-mill was completed in October, 1789, 
(the saw and grist-mills were raised in June) and Samuel 
Ames ground the first grist ever ground in the place, and 
continued to tend the same mill for more than forty years, 
and probably for forty-five years, after. 

Thomas Cowen, who came from Paris, tended the saw- 
mill, under the superintendence of Mr. Ames, after it was 
ready to run, about two or three years. He built a little hut 
nearly opposite the saw-mill, and Avhen he left the mill he 
went on to a piece of land, now owned by H. G. Cole, north 
of the old Peter Buck farm, and subsequently removed to 
Paris. Reuben Hubbard afterwards built the tAvo story house 
now standing on the place. 

While Capt. Rust Avas building the mills, he employed the 
new settlers on his plantation to work for him as much as 
they wished, allowing them half a dollar per day towards 
their land, which he sold to them for half a dollar per acre ; 
thus every day's work paid for an acre of land. As a land- 
holder, Capt. Rust performed many acts of kindness to the 
settlers on his land, not only by selling his land very cheap, 
but in trying to add otherwise to their comforts and conve- 
niences. Among other things, he brought down from Salem 



16 HISTORY OF NOnWAY. 

quite a lot of small six-squared ■windows of six by eight 
glass, wliicli he distributed among the settlers, a window or 
two to each ; and this was a valuable present to them, as this 
was tlie first glass knoAvn in the place- 
Peter Everett came into the place in this year, and com- 
menced on the east end of the Esquire Eastman farm, and 
supposed that it was on the Rust Grant at the time of build- 
ing a small frame house, where he lived a few years ; and 
after Rust and Cummings settled the question of title to that 
tract of land, and it being held by Cummings, Mr. Rust gave 
Mr. Everett a lot of land lying west of William Parsons' lot, 
where he moved his house, and lived till his death, which 
took place March 27, 18.21. When Mr. Everett lived on the 
Esquire Eastman lot, his wife kept a little school for the in- 
strviction of the small children in the neighborhood. This 
school she kept in her own house, and was the first school of 
any description ever kept in the place. 

This year Darius Holt and Natlmn Foster came down — 
Holt from Andover, and Foster from Tewksbury, Mass. — to 
work for Jonathan Cummings, the proprietor of the Cum- 
mings Gore, and commenced where his son Jonathan Cum- 
mings afterwards lived and died. They were here at the 
raising of the mills in June, 1789. Nathan Foster after- 
Avards purchased the tier of lots north of the Cummings farm, 
and afterwards lived and died on the same. Darius Holt 
afterwards bargained for the seventh tier of lots 'on the Cum- 
mings Gore, and built a small frame house where Daniel 
Town now lives, and the house built by Holt makes a part of 
said Town's house. Mr. Holt lived at what was afterwards 
called Fuller's Corner about four years, and then moved into 
Waterford plantation, near Lemuel Shed's lot. 

This year Amos Upton came down from Reading, Mass., 
iind felled trees on the lot south of Fuller's Corner, and 
moved his family in Sept., 1790. Nathan Noble moved his 
family into .Amos Ilobbs' house in the spring of 1789, and 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 17 

built a small frame house where he afterwards lived, in the 
course of the summer following. Benjamin Witt came down 
with Capt. K-ust subsequent to the erection of the mills, and 
was the first blacksmith that ever hammered iron in what is 
now called Norway. 

Phinehas "Whitney, about this time, commenced on the hill 
westerly of Lemuel Shed, on the Waterford plantation, and 
came from Harvard, Mass. He was a soldier in the revolu- 
tionary war, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and Amos 
Upton was likewise in that memorable battle ; they were both 
pensioners, and also Lemuel Shexl, Darius Holt, Jonas Ste- 
vens, Samuel Ames, Daniel Knight, Stephen Curtis, Joseph 
Gammon, James Packard, Joel Stevens, John Needham, and 
Jacob Frost. 

Mr. Ames moved into Rustfield the year before the mills 
were built, and commenced on a piece of land where Ephraim 
Briggs now lives, and raised corn one year on that place ; he 
afterwards sold out to a Moses Twitchell, and afterwards lived 
near the mill which he tended. When he moved in from 
Paris, as his oldest daughter says, he had three children, and 
the way he conveyed his family would look rather picturesque 
at the present day. He procured a steady horse, and put a 
sack, like a pair of panniers, across the saddle ; be then put 
the two youngest, one in each end, with the oldest on the 
horse's back, holding it on in the rough places, and led the 
horse himself ; his wife traveled on foot, carrying some neces- 
sary articles in her hands ; and thus they ascended what is 
now called Pike's hill to their new habitation. Mr. Ames 
built the first house in Norway Village — a frame house, 
eighteen feet by thirty-six ; some twenty-five years ago the 
house was moved up about one mile north of the Village, and 
is now occupied by Elijah Jordan. The next house built in 
the Village was near the site of Levi Whitman's house, and 
built by William Gardner, who afterwards commenced on the 
Xeo Grant above Nathaniel Bennett's. In 1790 Daniel 



18 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Knight moved from Paris, and went into the house with Wil- 
liam Gardner, and lived with him a short time ; he then 
returned to Paris, remained one winter, and then came back 
again, and commenced on the place now owned hj Alansoii 
M. Dunham, where he lived about four years ; then he sold 
out his betterments to Jeremiah "VVitham, from New Glouces- 
ter, and began on land on the southerly end of North pond. 
Isaac Cummings soon bought out Mr. Gardner, and moved on 
the same lot, and afterwards sold his betterments to Josiah 
Bartlett, about 1802. The farm has had many different 
owners, and is now owned by Joshua Richardson, Esq., of 
Portland. 

Jonathan Cummings, the proprietor of Cummings Gore, in 
order to forward a beginning for a farm for his son, Amos 
Cummings, hired a few acres of trees felled on the third tier 
of lots on said Gore, (the same now owned by Thomas Mel- 
zeard,) and hired Daniel Knight and Isaac Cummings to full 
the first trees that were cut down on that farm ; and he paid 
to each of them a new axe and a cow-bell, (he was a black- 
smith, and made such things himself,) both articles being very 
necessary to the new settlers — the axe to cut down the forest, 
•and the bell to put on the old cow so that the boys could find 
her in the woods, as they had no pastures until they got them 
cleared and fenced. ]Mr. Knight is still living, aged 92. 

In 1790 Anthony Bennett and Nathaniel Bennett, twin 
brothers, came from New Gloucester, and felled trees on the 
lots Avhere they afterAvards continued to live — Anthony till 
the time of his death, and Nathaniel is still living on his first 
premises. This year, or the year before, Joshua Smith came 
into Bustfield, from New Gloucester, and commenced on the 
place now owned by Jacob Bradbury, and formerly by his 
father, Joseph Bradbury, who purchased of Smith. The 
year after ISIr. Smith felled his first trees, he brought about 
one bushel of the seed-ends and eyes of potatoes from New 
Gloucester on his back, and planted them on burnt ground, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 19 

and raised fifty bushels of potatoes from the same. I believe 
the account, having heard it from his own mouth. 

Anthony Bennett moved his family into Rustfield in 1791, 
and Nathaniel in 1793. About this time Elisha Cummings 
purchased the lot east of Benjamin Witt's farm, and began 
on it, and about five years after sold the east half of the 
same to John Bird, who commenced making a farm, and con- 
tinues to live on it at this time. Zebedee Perry came in this 
year from Paris, and commenced on the lot south of Nathan 
Noble's lot. When he moved from Paris he had one child, 
Jolm Perry, who lives on the old homestead farm, but has' 
erected buildings on a different part of the lot. 

This year was made menlorable to the settlers on account 
of the first death in the place. This was a female child of 
Nathaniel Stevens, aged about five years. During this year, 
also, another very sudden death occurred. Mr. Daniel Gary 
had commenced on the Lee Grant, near where Alanson M. 
Dunham now lives, or where Jacob Tubbs afterwards pur- 
chased. He had been at work for Capt. Rust, and Avas re- 
turning home in the evening, and arriving at the outlet of 
the pond, near where the Crockett bridge now stands, expected 
to find a boat on the south side of the stream ; but some per- 
son crossed over the stream during the day, and had left the 
))oat on the other side, and he feeling anxious to reach home, 
attempted to swim over, and when more than half across, 
sank and di-OAvned, unknown to any person. The next day 
Jonas Stevens Avent down the pond in his boat to mill, and 
picked up a hat on the water near the outlet of the pond, and 
taking it down to the mill, the hat was shown to Mr. Ames, 
who at once knew it to be Gary's hat. Mr. Ames with some 
others immediately returned with ]\Ir. Stevens, and soon 
found the body, which Avas brought down to the mill, and 
thence to Gapt. Rusfs house on the hill, (then occupied in 
part by Benjamin Witt) and in due time Avas properly in- 
terred. 



20 HISTORY or Xe;E;\VAY. 

Benjamin Witt after living awhile at, or near the mills, 
purchased ^he lot on which Joseph Small afterwards lived, 
and erected the barn now standing on the farm ; and after 
Jiving there a few years, purchased a lot east of Nathaniel 
Bennett's lot, Sund commenced a farm where he afterwards 
lived and died ; and his son Benjamin Witt still lives on the 
same farm. 

This year Pqter Buck, who had a short time before come 
from Worcester, Mass., to Paris, moved into Rustfield, about 
half a mile north of the mill ; and he was the first shoe- 
maker in the place. The same farm, or the southerly half 
of the same, is now occupied by his son, Austin Buck. James 
Kettle was the first trader .that ^ver kept goods for sale, as a 
store-keeper, in the place, and kept his goods in Samuel 
Ames' house — that is, in one room of the same. He wag 
called a very honest, fair trader, which is a pretty good enco- 
mium on his character as a man. And while speaking of 
traders, I will continue the subject through the infantile years 
of the settlement. William Reed was the next trader, (we 
did not have merchants in those days) and commenced trade 
in a little house, formerly called the saw-mill house, which 
stood about south of, or opposite the sa.w-mill, and near where 
CoAven's cabin once stood. He traded here a few years, and 
probably commenced about 1792. After some years he built 
a two-story store, where he traded for many years. William 
Hobbs, the second son of Jeremiah Hobbs, was the third 
trader in the town. He commenced near his father's farm, a 
little east of the Congregational meeting-house, where he 
continued to trade occasionally till his deatli, which occurred 
in Feb., 1843. Bailey Bodwell, who came from Methuen, 
Mass., built the first two-story house in what is now N<?rway 
yillage, viz., the house lately occupied by Ichabod Bartlctt, 
Esq. ; and also put up the first clothier's works in the place 
on the privilege now occupied by H. G. Cole as a clothier's 
and carding establishment. He also built the first saw-ajill 



HISTORY OF XORV^'AY. 2t 

nit the Steep Falls, and the first clothier's works at that place. 
The first tannery set up in this place was the Rust tan-yard, 
and was put in operation by William Reed, under Capt. Rust. 
Jacob Frost, Jr., afterwards superintended the yard, and a 
few years later Joseph Shacklcy succeeded him, and lived in 
the tan-yard house for many years. The house now owned 
by John Deering was the third two-story house erected in the 
Village, about 1803, and moved into by John Ordway, the 
builder, in 1804. There was a two-story house built about 
the same time where Esquire Whitney's house now stands, 
known as the Smith house, it being built by one Samuel 
Smith, but was many years after pulled down by Increase 
Robinson, who built the house now occupied by William C. 
AVhitney, Esq. The next two-story house, in the order of 
building, was Luther Farrar's, Esq. — now occupied by Levi 
Whitman, Esq. — built in 1806. Capt. Henry Rust, Jr., 
built a large two-story house about the same time ; also Levi 
Bartlett built the two-story house in which he afterwards- 
lived till his death, wliich took place in the summer of 1818 • : 
his two youngest children also died in a fcAV days after; Li ■• 
1807, William Reed built the two-story house now occupied, 
by E. F. Real. A part of the Elm House was built for a 
store by Joshua Smith, in 1806, and afterwards an addition 
was made to it in order to make a dwelling house and store 
in the same building. I liave rather run along a little ante- 
cedent to the time, in regard to the erection of some particu- 
lar buildings in the Village, in order that people may under- 
stand the progress of things in their early stages. 

Job Eastman came from the Pigwacket region, either from 
Fryeburg, or vicinity, about 1792, in the spring; and moved 
in Avith Jonathan Cummings, Jr., the son of the proprietor of 
(jummings Gore, and lived in his house for several years. He 
afterwards commenced on the lot on which Peter Everett first 
commenced, though not in the same place. Job Eastman was 
iv brother to Jonathan Cummings- wife, the propriotor of the 



22 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Cummings Gore ; and in consideration of liis services in the 
Cummings affairs, lie liatl the promise of a lot of land ; but he 
never having any children, when his deed was given, it wag 
only during the life of himself and his wife ; and although he 
had no children to inherit the fruit of his labor, he still thought 
the thing was not exactly right, and others, who knew the 
circumstances, thought just so. Job Eastman taught the first 
man's school in the place, in 1793, in Jonathan Cummings' 
house. Abigail Symonds, a sister to Lemuel Shed's wife, kept 
the next woman's school, after Mrs. Everett, and kept it in 
Cummings' barn. Thus it seems that our first teachers had 
rather humble places in which " to teach the young idea how 
to shoot." 

About the last of June, 1792, Benjamin Flint came from 
Reading, Mass., and purchased a lot on the Watcrford planta- 
tion, (since known as the Peter Town farm, and now owned by 
Ansel Town, and the Avest part of the same lot recently owned 
by James Smith,) and felled trees on the same. The next 
spring he came down to work on his lot, and on the loth of 
June, 1793, exchanged lots with Jonathan Stickney, who had 
five or six years before commenced on a lot near Lemuel Shed. 
Jonathan Holman had begun on the lot east of the Peter Town 
farm previous to Flint's purchase ; he lived there a few years, 
and then sold to Asa Lovcgoy, and soon went to Canada. 

The first marriage in the place was Nathan Foster and Mir-» 
iam Hobbs, the second daughter of Jeremiah Hobbs, which 
took place the 17th of May, 1791 ; the couple were united by 
Nathan Merrill, of Grray, a Baptist preacher. The next mar- 
riage in the place was probably Benjamin Witt and Betsey 
Parsons, a sister to William and John Parsons. The next 
marriage Avas between Joel Stevens and Olive Hobbs, the old- 
est daughter of Jeremiah Hobbs, This marriage was on the 
IGth day of June, 1794, and in July following Benjamin 
Flint was married to Elizabeth Foster, a sister to Nathan Fos- 
ter. These two last marriages were solemnized also by Nathaii 



niSTOPvY OF NORWAY. 23 

jMen-ill, and the parties were pu1)lished in Gray ; and afterwards 
some publishments were posted up in the grist-mill as the most 
public and conspicuous place in the plantation. Lemuel Shed 
was married in Bridgton, bj the Rev. Mr. Church, about 1791, 
and John Parsons was married to his second wife about the 
Same time, ]:)ut was probably married in New Gloucester. 

Joel Stevens moved into Rustfield in the spring of 1793, 
find had buried his first witfe, by -whom he had two children, a 
f\3W years before, and had his second wife when he moved in^ 
by whom he also had two children. He buried his second 
wife in the following October, and in the next June married his 
third wife, Olive Hobbs, by -whom he had fifteen more children. 
lie died in April, 1850, at the advanced age of 94 years, and 
his Avidow is still living in this town. 

In June, 1793, Benjamin Fuller and Silas Meriam came 
doAvn from Middleton, IMass., and purchased land on Gumming' s 
Gore, north of Avhat has since been called Fuller's Corner, and 
felled trees themselves, and hired a considerable of an openin"" 
felled, and had it burnt over the ensuing August. They came 
down again in the fall, cleared a part of their burnt piece, and 
sowed winter rye, and then returned again to iMiddelton. When 
they came down in the fall, ]VIr. Fuller drove a yoke of oxen 
and a horse, with a common ox cart, and moved Asa Case 
and family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, and Bebekah 
Curtis, an adopted daughter, with their household stuff — such 
as they could bring. To be sure, such a conveyance was not 
quite as comfortable as the cars would be at the present day, 
but it did pretty well for that time. Mr. Case went to work 
on the lot adjoining Benjamin Flint's on the north, on the Wa- 
tfirford plantation. Fuller agreed with Amos Upton, (who 
was a kind of carpenter, and also partly a blacksmith) to erect 
a house and barn for him, early in the spring and summer of 
1794, with the intention oi moving his fomily to his new home. 

Early in the spring of 1794, Silas Meriam and Aaron "Wil- 
kins, (who was a young man hving with Mr. Fuller) and Jo- 



24 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

sepli Dale, a young man hired by Fuller and Meriam for the 
season, started from Middlcton and went to Salem, with their 
tools and bagga2:e. They took passage aboard a wood-sloop, 
and arrived in Portland after a stormy, bad voyage ; and then 
from Portland traveled on foot to Cummings' Grant, with their 
packs on their backs, where they arrived about the 10th of 
April. They tarried one night in Portland, and staid on ])oard 
the sloop. During the night there was a considerable fail of 
snow ; and when they arrived at their future residence they 
found a foot or two of snow, and the few settlers engaged in 
making maple sugar. In a few days, however, the snow dis- 
appeared, and they commenced their clearing ; sowed grain, 
and planted corn, potatoes, beans, &c. 

In June j\Ir. Fuller moved his family down. He came witli' 
an ox-wagon, one yoke of oxen, and two horses ; and having 
arrived at Avhat is now Norway Village, he went up to his nev/ 
home, and Aaron Wilkins went down with another yoke of 
oxen and helped drive the team around the pond, up to their 
new haititation. This was probably the first wagon that ever 
cane into the town above the Village, and Mr. Wilkins says it 
was with much difficulty that they got through to Fuller's 
house. At that time there had not been any road located in 
the place : but the settlers had, from necessity, cleared out the 
trees, so as to be able to get from one to another, and that v. as 
about all that had been done in regai-d to any road. 

I said that Mr. Fuller moved his family to his house : but 
Mr. Upton had not yet erected the house as Fuller expected ; 
therefore he Avent into j\Ir. Upton's house, and there remained 
till late in the fall. After Fuller's arrival, Mr. Upton com- 
menced in good earnest about the buildings. They went into 
the Avoods and cut timber, and erected a barn in season to put 
in his grain, and a house as fast as they could. Fuller pro- 
cured boards at Rust's mill, and rafted them up to the head of 
the pond, and then hauled them up to where they were to be 
used. The barn was thirty-two feet bj fifty, and the houses 



HISTORY OF XORAVAY. 2i> 

twenty feet by tlurty-eight, and a story and a half la'^li — tho' 
largest establishment in the Cummings Gore; they got the 
house so as to move into it, in November. ]\Ir. Fuller, proba- 
bly, was in the best pecuniary circumstances of any new set- 
tler who had moved into the place ; and he Avas a very ener- 
getic, working kind of a man, and remained so till oM ago 
disabled him from labor. He made three very good farms, and 
erected three sets of good buildings for that day, and probably 
paid as large an amount of tax as alinost any farmer in the 
town ; he was addicted to no particularly bad habits, but still, 
fi-om the mutability of this world's affairs, he tlied on our poor 
farm in 1850. He probably rests as quietly in his grave as 
though he ha'i died possessed of milUons ; and could with pro- 
priety adopt the words of Watts : — 

" Princes, this clay must be your bed, 

In spite of all your lovveis; 
The tall, ihe wise, the reverend head 

Must lie as low as ours." 

Joseph Dale, who came down to work for Fuller and Jlcr- 
iam, in a year or two bouhgt a half lot easterly of whe?© Ben- 
jamin Flint first began, viz., Ihe east half of lot No. 14, in the 
r)th Range on the Waterford plantation, and soon after married 
Phebe Martin, of Andover, jUIass., and moved on to his land. 
John Pike, a brother to Dudley Pike, came into Rustfield either 
iu 1794, or the year previous, and commenced on the lot east 
of Dudley Pike's; he lived there for more than forty years, 
and then moved to Oxford, where he afterwards tlied. He wa& 
a very large, athletic man, of stentorian voice, and was often 
employed as master-carter, or superintendent in moving build- 
ings, and the way he would sing out to the men waS' not in a 
very low tone. It was often the case that the new settlers did 
not get their first barn on the spot that suited them after they 
haxl made considerable progress in clearing up their farms. 
Hence the repeated calls for moving their first learns and oilier 
buildin2;s. 



26 HISTORY OF XOmVAY. 

Benjamin RoAve began on the lot south of Joel Stevens'' lot, 
as early as 171)4, ami occupied it a few years, and "was suc- 
ceeded by Eliphalet "Watson and his son Ebenczer Watson; 
they lived there a few years, and then sold out to Jeremiah 
Hobbs, the oldest son of Amos Ilobbs. Ebcnezer Jenkins, 
who married a sister to the Pikes, came into Rustfield about 
this time, or a little after, and commenced a little south of where 
Nathaniel INIillett now lives ; and Jonathan Woodman likewise 
commenced where Jacob Parsons noAv lives, soon after the same 
period : and probably some others in diifei'ent parts of the town, 
of which the writer has not been able to ascertain the particulars. 

In 1794 the first school-house in the place was built, on 
Amos Hobbs' land, on the road leading from the centre of 
Norway by William Parsons'. Job Eastman taught the first 
school in that house, and Abigail Symonds kept the first wo- 
man's school in the Sattie. 

This year John Henley came from jNIassachusetts, and com- 
menced on the lot south of Amos Upton's, in the Cummings 
Gore, and built a small frame house on the west side of the 
road. Henley was rather a large-sized man, and very moder- 
ate in his movements ; but there were few men who could com- 
pete with him in using an axe. lie and Darius Holt, soon 
after he came into the j)lace, together felled twelve acres of 
trees of heavy growth in one week, for Mr. Fuller, and, as 
they have told the writer, finished the piece by the middle 
of the afternoon on Saturday. Mr. Holt says he felled ten 
acres for Jonathan Cummings, alone, in nine and a half days. 
About this time John Millett and Solomon Millett began on 
their respective lots, which are situated southerly of William 
Parsons' lot. They had previously worked for Wilham Parsons 
for a considerable space of time, and were brothers to Parsons' 
wife. Their l^rother, Nathaniel ^Millett, being younger, did not 
come into Rustfield quite so early as his brothers, but in a very 
few years after, and located himself whcrp he now resides. 

While writing concerning the Parsons and Millett families, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 2/ 

it brings to mind the num1)cr of smart, healthy chilJrcn bc- 
longino; to them in former times. The "writer taught tlie 
school in that school district in the winter of 1809-10, and had 
thirty--five scholars Avho bore the name of Millett or Parsons, 
The noted cold Friday occurred in Februry, while in this 
school ; and the severe cold prevented more than half of the 
usual number from getting to the school-house, and more than 
half who did get there were more or less frozen, and some of 
them badly. And while writing of these families, I can not 
withhold the tribute of gratitude wliich I owe to old Deacon 
Parsons and wife. She Avas a mother, not only to her own 
children, but to all around her. IVIy health at that time was 
very feeble, and Mrs. Parsons nursed me with a mother's care- 
Puring the last month, the old Deacon used to harness his old 
mare and carry me to school, and at night would contrive to 
get me home again. He provided the fuel for the school, and 
would go in the afternoon to cut and split wood ; when cold 
he would enter the school-house to get warm and smoke his 
pipe, and at night carry the master and his girls home. Blessed 
days were those. He was, in my humble opinion, a sincere- 
practical christian. He never failed to oiFer up the morning 
and evening prayer, and to read a portion of the Holy Bible. 
His family government was firm, but very mild ; and perhaps 
no fomily at that day conducted with more propriety and sobri- 
ety than his. In the summer and fall of 1807 the writer 
w^orked, probably six months or more, on his new house, and 
had an excellent opportunity to knoAv his firm, but mild gov- 
ernment. I must relate one little anecdote in regard to hi,'^ 
management of his boys — and he had a lot of them. One day 
Joshua and Solomon, boys about ten and twelve years of age, 
happened about the house, and were rather full of noisy play, 
like other boys of that age ; Mrs. Parsons getting rather out 
of patience with the boys, and the Deacon happening to come 
in at the time, she said to him, "Mr. Parsons, Joslma and 
Solomon want a good whipping as much as crer two boys did. ' 



28 HISTORY OF NORAVAYi 

The Deacon listened to her with attention, tmA then called out, 
'•Josh." The boy responded, "Sir/" '-Come here." 
The boy promptly came forward. ''Your mother says you 
want to be Avhipped — do you,'" '"No sir." " Well, then, 
go about your work." He then called out, " Sol." " Sir .^" 
' ' Come here. ' ' He immediately came forward. ' • Your mother 
says you want to be whipped— do you?" "No sir." "Then 
go along to your Avork." And then turning to his wife, said, 
'•Why, mother, the boys say they don't want to be whipped, 
and I guess they'll do well enough without it." The boys 
knar better than to take any advantage of their father's len- 
ity. But there ! I have run off the track a httle to far, I 
confess ; but I will- try to keep on better for tlie future. 

Jacob Tubbs came into the place in 1795, and commenced 
on the Lee Grant; although that grant was not lotted out- till 
about 1810 — it being a condition in the original grant that the 
tract sliould be exempt from taxation till after a certain lapse 
of time ; therefore it was not put in the market for sale Avhile 
it wiis not liable to taxation. For tliis reason, that part of the 
town was not settled till long after the other parts had made 
considerable progress in settlements. Mr. Tubbs, however, 
had the good fortune to purchase two hundred acres, selected 
to his own mind, and he made an excellent choice. The other 
few settlers on the Lee Grant Avere what were termed S(|uat- 
ters, and occupied without any title. 

Isaac Cobb and Asa Dunham came into Rustfield in 1795. 
Dunham purchased the lot where Ilufus Bartlett afterwards 
lived till his death ; and Cobb moved into Dunham's house, 
and lived with him till the next spring, when he moved in 
with Zebedee Perry ; he soon after purchased the lot south 
of Perry's, on which he built a small house, Avhere he lived 
.•tb«>ut four years, and sold out to Daniel Hobbs, the oldest 
Hon of Jeremiah Ilobbs ; he then purchased Avhere he after- 
wards lived till his death, which took place in May, 1^!25. 
Levi Bartlett came to Eustfield about this time, and set up 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 29 

tlie blacksmith business ; he built a large shop, witli a trip- 
hammer, and carried on the business, on a large scale for 
those days, till his death in August, 1818. William "Work 
■svas married to Betsey Stevens, the oldest daughter of Jonas 
Stevens, in 1795. In 1796, Benjamin Flint built his barn, 
which was the first barn erected westerly of Fuller's Corner. 
He had used a log hovel previous to that time, as also did the 
other settlers ; the most of the houses were also built of logs, 
and the roofs covered with spruce bark, fastened on with long 
spruces laid across it, and confined with witlies. When Ben- 
jamin Flint moved his wife home, two years before building 
his barn, he borrowed a cart of Mr. Fuller to carry a few 
household goods from Nathan Foster's, and he says that wa>3 
the first cart ever driven west of Fuller's Corner, and mucli 
difficulty Avas experienced in getting it back again. 

In 1794, there was a State tax laid on Rustfield, and the 
following is a copy of -the assessment, as made by the assess- 
ors, verhatbn ct literatim ; and this tax will show who were 
the inhabitants of Rustfield at that early period : 

THE COPPY OF AN JEXECUTION. 

£ s. d. 
Tax, . 5 11 8 

Travel, - 
Coppy, - 
^erv.j 



1 


8 


4 





2 








1 


4 


1 


11 


8 



■Sum total, 7 3 4 

Rustfield, November th 7, 1794, 
Assessed the sum of seven pounds, three shillings and four 
pence upon the polls and estates, to be collected by the 5 day 

of December next. 

BENJAMIN WITT, ) 
NATHAN NOBLE, [Assessors. 
WILLIAM PARSONS, \ 



30 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 



Kenr}' Rust, 
Joel Stevens, 
Joseph Stevens, 
John Pike, 
Samuel Ames, 
Jonas Stevens, 
William Stevens, 
Samuel Perkins, 
Amos Hobhs, 
Nathaniel Bennett, 
Anthony Bennett, 
George Lessley, 
Benjamin Rowe, 
Asa DunhaiTi, 
Benjamin Witt, 
Peter Buck, 
Thomas Co wen, 
Zebedee Perry, 
John Cushman, 
ISathan Nohie, 
Benjamin Herring, 
Ebenezer Whitmarsh, 
Joshua Smith, 
John Parsons, 
James Stiuchfield, 
David Gotham, 
John Mijiett, 
Solomon Millett, 
iVathaniel Millett, 
Benjamin Stinehfield, 
William Nash, 
INIoses Twitchell, 
William Parsons, 
Dudley Pike, 
Daniel Trickky, 



Polls, 



lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 



lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 
lOd 





1 




1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

U 
7 
3 5 
7 
G 



2 7 
11 



1 8 
4 3 

2 7 

1 5 

2 3 
8 
5 
7 
9 
7 
4 9 



Real Estate. 
X" s. d. qrs 
19 9 2 
3 
3 9 
2 10 
3 9 2 
1 
1 
3 
3 
2 



9 
3 

7 

7 2 
9 9 



8 
7 
1 10 2 



2 10 
11 



Personal E 


St. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


qrs 





1 


2 


3 





1 


8 


3 





2 


3 








1 


9 


1 








5 


2 








11 


3 








7 


1 








3 


1 





1 





1 








5 


1 








5 


1 





1 


4 


2 








9 











3 


1 








8 


3 








6 


2 








2 


2 








5 


2 

















2 


1 


3 





3 


5 


1 








9 


3 








8 


1 





2 


4 


3 




















9 


2. 





1 


9 


I 
































4 











4 











6 


3 





3 


11 


2 





1 


9 


1 



























Sum Total. 
£ s. d. qrs 
110 1 
5 6 3 




2 



1 6 
1 3 
1 9 
1 11 



6 10 



5 5 1 

5 1 

3 6 

2 1 1 

2 11 

3 2 
2 11 
2 11 

5 



5 
4 3 
9 









1 

5 

2 1 

1 7 

1 11 2 

15 

5 6 1 

6 10 1 

2 3 



4 10 3 











2 

9 8 3 

5 5 1 

11 



000000007401 
It appears that the Lee Grant was not liable to taxation 
until 1807, and I have not been able to ascertain whether 
Cummings Gore paid any tax at this time or not, but it is 
probable that the few inhabitants did pay in some shape or 
other. It thus appears that in Rustfield there were thirty- 
two taxable polls, and three other persons taxed for property; 
but as yet we have no account of any highway tax, except 
what was done voluntarily. In 1796 the first road in the 
[dace was laid out by a Court's Committee from Cumberland 



niSTORY OF NORWAY. 31 

County, to "which Ave then belonged. The road in questidu 
commenced at the north line of the tOAvn, and ran about 
Bouth, twenty-five deg. cast, over Cummings hill, thence 
southeasterly to Jeremiah Hobbs' lot, thence southerly by 
Esquire Eastman's and Deacon William Parsons', around 
Horse hill, and over the Craigie hill to Craigie's mills in He- 
bron — now Oxford. Horse hill received its name from the 
following circumstance: In June, 178T, Avhen Deacon Wil* 
liam Parsons, his brother, John Parsons, and Benjamin 
Herring, came into the place to fall trees, they had two 
horses to bring their provisions ; and there being no pasture, 
they turned the animals out in the Avoods. One night they 
were alarmed by a bear, or some other wild beast, and ran 
off in a fright ; they could not be found while the men re- 
mained at their work. Late in the fall they were discovered 
on this hill in a very poor condition. Hence the name of 
Horse hill. This was the way that the first settlers wended 
their way to Portland with their surplus produce. They 
generally went with their ox-teams, in the winter, through 
deep snows and poor roads, and often returned home them- 
selves to lodge the first night. 

Previous to this time there was but one horse in the Cum- 
mings Gore, and that an old white-faced mare, owned by 
Amos Upton ; and she was used by all the neighbors to go to 
mill. They used to lash the bags on to the saddle, a huge, 
coarse thing made for that purpose,, and let the old mare plod 
her way along the little pathway. Aaron Wilkins says (arid 
lie knew all about it) she Avould crook around the trees and 
rocks very carefully, so as to avoid hitting the bags against 
them. Before they had any other practicable conveyance to 
Portland, Francis Upton, the oldest son of Amos Upton, 
went to Portland Avith the old mare, and carried a small hog 
to market, having it laid across the pack saddle, and strongly 
lashed on Avith cords ; he Avent on foot himself, leading or 
diiving the old mare, and only reached Dudley Pike's tho 



32 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

first ihj, and put up tlicrc that night. In J 790, Dudley 
Pike obtained one ox, and John Parsons one ,othe:r. They 
j)ut them together, and worked them alternately, helping 
their neighbors with them wlie» they could. The next year 
they purchased two more, and then had each of them <i yoke. 
That was the way they did up things in those early ,days. 

Joshua Crockett, formerly of Gorham, moved to Hebron, 
on the Craigie hill, and lived a few years, and in 179(> 
moved into Kustfield. He Jived awhile in the Rust house ou 
the hill, and then went ,i,ipon the Crockett farm, where he 
lived till his death. Samuel Perkins had, sometime before 
this, begun on a lot between Crockett's aijd Anthony Ben- 
nett's ; in a few years Crockett and Bennett bought Perkins 
out. and divided the lot between tliem. Silas Barker had, 
previous to this time, commenced on lot No. 14 in the 13th 
Range of .the Waterford plantation ; he did something on the 
land, and soo^ sold out to John Upton, a cousin to Amos 
Upton : after a few years Upton sold out to a Mr. Pingree. 
This year, Joel Frost, born in Tewisbury, Mass., came into 
the Waterford plantation, in June ; he felle<:l trees immedi- 
ately, and commenced for a farm where he and his second 
son, William Frost, now live. His lot lies east of Avhere 
Darius Holt then lived, a,nd was lot No. 15 in the 9th Range 
of the Waterford plantation. 

About this time the subject of having the town incorpor- 
ated was called up, and, as is .almost always the case, there 
were different opinions. They had a plantation meeting iij 
the Waterford plantation, to see if they would consent to 
have the three tiers of lots set off to help make up the town 
of Norway, and after much discussion on the question, it wag 
decided in the affirmative. The same year the inhabitants of 
Rustfield and Cummings Gore, and a few squatters on the 
Jjce Grant, also had a similar meeting, to consult on the ex- 
pediency of an incorporation ; and finally determined in favor 
,of .the measure. This primary meeting was held in Saniueil 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 



33 



Ames" house, near the mills ; and measures were accordingly 
taken to bring about the thing in its proper time. The meet- 
ing took place Sept. 29th, 1796. 

In order to show who were in Rustfield previous to the in- 
corporation of the town, I shall have recourse to a tax bill 
committed to J-oseph Stevens as Collector for the year 1796, 
for a State tax, which amounted to thirty-eight dollars and 
fourteen cents. A poll tax in this bill Avas twenty-eight 
cents ; and the highest tax on real estate was eighty-four 
cents to William Parsons, and the lowest was one cent to 
John Cushman. The highest tax on personal estate was 
fifty-four cents to Benjamin Herring, and the lowest was 
nothincr to Thomas Cowen, and one cent to Levi Bartlett. 
There were a few who were taxed for a poll only. A plant- 
ation tax was assessed the same year, and for about the same 
sum ; although the poll tax was only twenty-five cents, yet 
the tax on the several estates was the same as the State tax. 

The following are the names of the persons taxed, with the sum total of their 
respective taxes : 



William Parsons, 


$1,83 


Nathaniel Millett, 


$ ,54 


John Parsons, 


1,55 


David Gorham, 


,77 


Dudley Pike, 


1,50 


Ebenezer VVhitmarsh, 


,95 


Thomas Cowen, 


,32 


William Nash, 


,48 


Samuel Ames, grist-mill 


1,50 


Benjamin Stinohfield, 


,41 


John Pike, 


1,20 


Joshua Smith, 


,90 


John Milieu, 


1,20 


Anthony Bennett, 


1,71 


Solomon Millett, 


V66 


Peter Buck, 


,68 


Moses Twitf^hell, 


,61 


Thomas Hill, 


,39 


John Cushman, 


,59 


Elisha Cummings, 


,39 


Joshua Crockett and Mr. 


Rust, 1,58 


Samuel Perkins, 


. ,53 


Nathan Noble, 


1,44 


Reuben Hubbard, 


,67 


Amos Hobbs, 


,9G 


James Stinchfield, 


,62 


John Eaton, saw-mill, 


1,15 


Levi Bartlett, 


,79 


Benjamin Herring, 


1,53 


Samuel Pearse, 


,33 


Benjamin Rowe, 


,64 


Isaac Cobb, 


,33 


Joseph Stevens, 


1,58 


Henry Rust, 


,84 


Joel Stevens, 


1,18 


Zekiel Roberson, 


,38 


Jonas Stevens, 


,88 


Ephraliam Briggs, 


,49 


William Stevens, 


,59 


Cimion Shertleef, 


,28 


Benjamin Witt, 


.64 


David Woodman, 


,28 


•George Lessley, 


1,05 


Jonathan Woodman, 


,28 


Asa Dunham, 


,41 


Joseph Eveleth, 


,28 


SZebedee Perry, 


,55 


Thomas Furlong, 


,28 



vWhole sum thirty-eight dollars fourteen cents. 



$38,14 



154 HISTORY OF NORAVAY. 

The following settlers were on the Cummings land previous 
to the incorporation of the town, viz : — Jeremiah Hoblis, 
Nathaniel Stevens, Job Eastman, Jonathan Cummings, Na- 
than Foster, John Henley, Amos Upton, Benjamin Fuller, 
Silas Meriam, Francis Upton, the son of Amos Upton, who 
had now become of age, and Aaron Wilkins, about, or quite 
of age. On the Waterford three tiers were Joseph Dale, 
Jonathan Stickney, Joel Frost, Darius Holt, Lemuel Shed, 
Phinehas Whitney, Jabcz Chubb, Benjamin Flint, Asa Case, 
and Silas Barker. On the Lee Grant were Daniel Knight. 
AYilliam Gardner, Isaac Cummings, Joshua Pool, William 
Dunlap, and Jacob Tubbs. Perhaps there might possibly 
have been a few more settlers within the limits of the several 
tracts of land which afterwards made up the town of Norway. 

It appears from an old order, on Joseph Stevens, as a Col- 
lector, that Joshua Smith and Levi Bartlett were assessors 
of Rustfield at some period previous to the incorporation of 
the town. 



ACT OF INCORPORATION. 

An Act to incorporate several tracts, or grants, of land situ- 
ate in the County of Cumberland, into a town by the name 
of Norway : 

Sect. 1. — Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the author- 
ity of the same, That one tract, or grant, of land, known by 
the name of Rustfield ; another by Lee's Grant ; a third by 
Cummings' Grant; together with the three tiers of lots, 
which formed a part of the plantation of Waterford, lying- 
next to, and adjoining the easterly side of said plantation — 
the outlines of the said town of Norway being as follows, 
viz : — Beginning at a certain birch tree, standing on the 
westerly side line of Paris, and on lot number thirteen, well 
marked, thence running northerly, one thousand one hundred 
and sixty rods, by said Paris line, to a spruce tree, marked ; 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 35 

thence south, seventy-six degrees west, one thousand and four 
rods, to a cedar tree, standing on the easterly side line of 
Cummings' Grant ; thence north, twenty-five degrees west, 
fifty-five rods, to the northeasterly corner of said Cummings' 
Grant ; thence south, sixty-five degrees west, four hundred 
and eighty rods, to the easterly side line of said plantation, 
(of Waterford;) thence north, twenty-five degrees west, on 
said easterly line of said plantation, about three hundred and 
thirty rods, to the northeasterly corner of the plantation 
aforesaid ; thence south, sixty-five degrees west, on the north- 
erly side line of said plantation, crossing three tiers of lots 
to the dividing line between the third and fourth tiers of lots, 
from the aforesaid easterly side line of said plantation ; thence 
south, twenty-five degrees east, on said dividing line, by the 
town of Waterford, as incorporated, to the southerly side line 
of said plantation : thence north, sixty-five degrees east, on 
said southerly side line of said plantation, crossing the ends 
of the aforesaid three tiers of lots, about three hundred and 
thirty rods to the southeasterly corner of said plantation ; 
(the last-named distance ought to be four hundred and eighty 
rods;) thence south, twenty-five degrees east, by Phillips' 
Gore (so called) six hundred and twenty-four rods, to He- 
bron line ; thence north, fifty-four degrees east, by Hebron 
line, about one thousand and seventy-four rods, to a tree 
standing on the westerly side line of Paris, marked ; thence 
noi'therly liy said Paris about nine hundred and seventy rods 
to the first Iwund ; together with the inhabitants thereon, be, 
and liei'eby are incoi'porated into a town by the name of Nor- 
way ; and the said town of Norway is hereby invested with 
all the powers, privileges and immunities which other towns 
in this Commonwealth do, or may enjoy. Provided, never- 
theless, that Waterford, as incorporated, exclusive of the 
before-mentioned three eastern tiers of lots, are and shall be 
entitled to four-fifths of all public lots lying within the afore- 
said three tiers of lots. Provided, also, that no taxes of any 



M HISTORY OF :S"ORAVAT. 

kind "be laid on any part of the land contained within the 
bounds of Lee's Grant until the expiration of ten years from 
the passing of this act. 

Sect. 2. — Be it further enacted, by the authority afore- 
said, that Enoch Perley, Esq., be, and he is hereby empow- 
ered to issue his warrant, directed to some suitable inhabitant 
of the said town of Norway, requiring him to notify and 
warn the inhabitants thereof, to meet at some convenient time 
and place for the purpose of choosing all such officers as 
towns are by law required to choose in the months of ^larch 
or April, annually. 

This act passed March 9, 1797. 



Gentle reader, we have now got into Norway : — not the 
))eautiful Norway of the present day, but Norway in its in- 
fancy. I have conducted you through a long journey, and 
mostly through a dreary wilderness. We have wandered, 
not quite so long a time as the children of Israel did in 
reaching the promised land, but for the space of almost ten 
years after females first showed themselves in the plantation, 
which was in the spring of 1787. Our ancestGi's, the first 
settlers, waded, not through seas of blood, like some mighty 
conquerors, but through mud and water, thick forests, burnt 
trees, and black logs, oftentimes suffering hunger and hard- 
ships. They were thinly scattered about in small clearings 
dotted here and there with little huts, log houses and log 
liovels, many of them surrounded with large families of 
young children, many times poorly clad, and poorly fed. 
Yet think not that " they were of all men," and women, 
*' the most miserable ; " for if we may believe the testimony 
of the few who are still living, we shall find that they had 
their comforts and consolations as much, or more, than at the 
present day. As a general thing, they were like a band of 
brothers, and stood by ejich other in times of need ; and by 
•dint of patient industry and perseverance, tliey iiioaUj' 



HISTOKY OE NORWAY. 



3T 



achieved a glorious victory over the dai'k M'iklerness, causiii'T 
it to bud and blossom as the rose. The soil proved fertile 
and productive, and under the guidance and smiles of Provi- 
dence, they laid foundations for happy, happy homes. They 
could, with heartfelt gratitude, adopt the words of the Psalmist: 

" He sends the showers nf blessings down 

To cheer the plains below, 
He makes the grass the mountains crown, 

And corn in vallies giow." 

I have not been able to learn precisely on what day the 
first annual meeting was held for the choice of town officers, 
nor with certainty at what place ; but it is believed by the 
oldest settlers now living, that it was held at the house of Job 
Eastman, May ord, 17*J7, and the following persons were 
chosen Selectmen and Assessors for that year, viz : Job East- 
man, Benjamin Witt, and Joseph Stevens ; Joshua Smith, 
Town Clerk ; Job Eastman, Town Treasurer ; and Ebenezer 
Whitmarsh, Constable and Collector of Taxes. 

In order to show who were the inhabitants of the town at 
the time of its incorporation, I here give the names as stand- 
ing on the first valuation, and assessment of the first tax 
after the organization of the town : 



PERSONS' NAMES. 

Ames Samuel,* 
Bennett Anthony, 
Bennett Nathaniel, 
Buck Peter, 
Barllett Levi, 
Bartlett Capt., 
Case Asa, 

Cummings Jonathan, 
Crockett Joshua, 
Cowen Thomas, 
Chubb Jabez, 
Cummings Elisha, 
Dunham Asa, 
Dale Joseph, 



PERSONS' NAMES. 
Duniap William, 
Eastman Job, 
Fuller Benjamin, 
Frost Joel, 
Gorham David, 
Hobbs Jeremiah, 
Hohbs Amos, 
Hubbard Reuben, 
HerrintT Benjamin, 
Holt Dariiis, 
Henley John, 
Hill Thomas, 
Lessley George, 
Lovejoy Asa, 



♦The name of Samuel Ames has stood at the head of all our valuations, 
lax lists, and lists of voters, probably every year since the iucorporatiou of 
the town. At all events, I have never seen oue othervvL-ie. 



38 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 



PERSONS' NAMES. 
Millett John, 
Millett Solomon, 
Millett Nathaniel, 
Meiiam Silas 
Nohle Nathan, 
Nash William, 
Parsons William, 
Parsons John, 
Pike Dudley, 
Pike John, 
Perry Zebedee; 
Perkins Samuel, 
llust Henry, 
Rovve Benjamin. 
Robinson Ezekiel, 
Stevens Jonas, 
Stevens Joseph, 
Stevens Joel, 
Stevens Nathaniel, 
Stevens William, 
Shed Lemuel, 
Shirtlef Simeon, 
Saunders Jonathan, 
Smith Joshua, 
Stinclifield James, 



PERSONS' NAMES. 
Upton x\mos, 
UlJton Francis, 
Witt Benjamin, 
Whitmarsh Ebenezer, 
Whitney Pliinehas, 
Whitney Jonathan, 
Work VVilliam, 
Foster Nathan, 
Flint Benjamin, 

Curtis 

Beals William, 
Brijigs Ephraiin, 

Bird 

Woodman Jonathan, 
Young Nathaniel, 
Yates William, 

Tiibbs '■ 

Furlong Thomas, 
Knight Daniel, 
Witham Jeremiah, 

Richardson 

Webster Simon, 
Cobb Isaac, 
Crooker Calvin, 
Crooker Ebenezer, 
William Reed. 



Stinchfield Benjamin, 
Making seventy-nine taxable residents, and as polls were 
then taxable at sixteen years of age, there were eighty-six 
polls taxed, as some of the boys had reached the age of six- 
teen years. 

The non-resident proprietors of land were assessed, 

$ 89,94 
The settlers were assessed, - - 945,49 

Total assessment, - - - *|1085,4o 

A poll tax in this assessment was one dollar and sixty cent**, 
and the assessment probably included the State, County, and 
to\m tax, though the book does not positively show the fact. 
There Avas a highway tax assessed the same year lor tli# 
sum of - - - - ^342.49,S 

The non-residents paying - - 17,78.4 



The residents tlic remaining - <|324,71,4 

A poll tax was $1,56. In 1798, a money tax, includin"^ 



HISTORY OF NOIUVAY. 39 

State, County, and town, was assessed, amounting to ^296,73- 
a poll tax was $1,00, and the number of polls 95. A high- 
way tax the same year amounted to ^498,93, and a poll tax 
was 1 2. 50. In 1799 it appears that a State tax for $41,02 
was assessed : a poll tax was thirteen cents, and there were 
107 polls. The total valuation of the real and personal es- 
tate in the town amounted to the sum of !|21,119. I find a 
small remnant of a tax, which was called a minister tax, in 
which a poll paid seventeen cents : and another fragment, 
Avhich was probably a town tax, in which a poll paid sixty 
cents. From what can be gleaned up. it appears that the 
taxes for the^ear were about as follows : 

State tax, - - $ 41,02 

Minister tax. (neariv) - 52,00 

Town tax, (money) - 200,00 

do. do. (highwav) - 350,00 



Making a total of - - $643,02 

In 1800 it appears there were 115 taxable polls in the toAvu ; 
tlie amount of money tax not ascertained, but estimated the 
same as last year, $290,73. Highway tax $611,02. 

In 1798 Joshua Smith was chosen Town Clerk; Job East- 
man, Treasurer; Job Eastman, Benjamin Witt, and Joseph 
Stevens, Selectmen ; Ebenezer Whitmarsh, Collector. In 

1799, Job Eastman, Clerk; Job Eastman, Treasurer; Job 
Eastman, Joshua Smith, and Benjamin Witt, Selectmen. In 

1800, Job Eastman. Clerk ; Job Eastman, Treasurer ; Job 
Eastman, Anthony Bennett, and Jonathan Woodman, Select- 
men ; Ebenezer "Whitmarsh, Collector. Soon after the in- 
corporation of the town, Job Eastman was appointed a Jus- 
tice of the Peace, and acted in that capacity for the space of 
forty-eight years. 

During the summer and fall of 1799, John Parsons built 
him a new one-story house, 30 feet by 36 ; he had nearly 
completed the finishing of it in January following, and had 
moved his fiimily into the same. One evening, as one of tho 



40 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

joiners was working at the bench, he cut his finggr badly, and 
went into the room where the family lived to bind up hi* 
wound ; in jumping across the bench he knocked over the 
candle, and not obserA^ing it while doing up his finger, the 
house was wrapped in flames almost instantaneously, as there 
was a large quantity of shavings on the floor. This was a 
sad loss. Mr. Parsons went courageously to work, and by 
the help of his kind neighbors, rebuilt the house, and got 
into it before spring work commenced. 

The following persons came into the town from the time of 
incorporation up to, and within, the year 1800, viz: Cad F. 
Jones, in 1797; Edward Wells, and his son Edward Wells,. 
Jr., John Richardson, Jr., James French, Joseph Small, Da- 
vid Morse, John Upton, Ebenezer Cobb, Josiah Bartlett, 
Nathaniel Bancroft, Joshua Pool, Barzilla Dwelly, Richard 
Blake ; Daniel Hobbs, a son of Jeremiah Hobbs, aad Amos 
Upton, Jr., a son of Amos Upton, had become of age, and 
were taxable citizens in 1798. In 1799, there is the addi- 
tion of Amos Blanchard, Darius Wilkins, John Upton, Moses 
Abbott, Samuel Godding, William White, David Upton, Jo- 
seph Martin, and probably some others came in, in order to 
make arrangements for a settlement as soon as convenient. 
In 1800, there were added, Tilden Bartlett, Rufus Bartlett, 
Jacob Bancroft, Stephen Curtis, Jacob Frost, Edmund Mer- 
rill, Jacob Parsons, Alfred Barrett, Ward Noyes, Bailey 
Bodwell, Samuel Andrews. At this time there were fifty- 
seven houses and forty-seven barns in the town. 

This year the Militia was organized in Norway, and the 
first officers were Jonathan Cummings, Captain, Anthony 
Bennett, Lieutenant, William Reed, Ensign. 

In 1801, the town officers were as follows : Job Eastman, 
Clerk; Job Eastman, Treasurer; Job Eastman, Jonathan 
Woodman, and Cad F. Jones, Selectmen; William Hobbs, 
Collector. 

Highway tax $720,68 ; money tax, of all kinds, |1696,- 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 41. 

/)4 ; number of polls 129 ; poll tax on the highway ^2,00. 
This year, or last, Joseph Rust built a grist-mill at the Steep 
Falls, and it appears that he was taxed for the Rust property 
by the valuation. 

Previous to 1800, Amos Upton had built a large one-story 
house, and in January of that year Ward Noyes moved from 
Andover, Mass., into Mr. Upton's house, and lived there 
until the next fall. In July there was a terrific tempest of 
lightning, thunder, rain and wind. The house was struck 
by lightning at the easterly end of the ridge-pole ; the elec- 
tric fluid ran down the rafter and other timbers, and went 
almost over the whole house. Seven persons Avere knocked 
down by the shock, and "Ward Noyes Avas insensible for a 
long time ; probably he never would have recovered had it 
not been for the application of cold water, which by Mr. Up- 
ton's direction was poured upon him by pailsfull — he having, 
a short time previous, seen in a newspaper an account of its 
efficacy. Large sjiaces of thick forest were prostrated by 
this wind, and considerable damage done otherAvise, 

The first post-office in Norway Avas established in 1800, 
and William Reed appointed post-master. He remained in 
office about forty years, and Avas a vigilant, faithful officer ; 
he also continued to keep a store of goods, and traded largely 
for that day, for many years. He engaged extensively in 
iiirming, and in all kinds of business Avas a very energetic, 
persevering man. 

While speaking of the establishment of the first post-office 
and first post-master, I Avill giA'e an account of the mail at 
that time, the first mail-carrier, &c. Jacob HoAve, grand- 
father of Jeremiah Howe of NorAvay Village, was the first 
mail-carrier, and rode on horseback with the mail-bas:, and 
a large pair of saddle-bags, in Avhich he carried a fcAV news- 
papers. He came from Portland, through Gray. New Glou- 
cester, Poland, Hebron, to Norway, and then to Watcrford, 
Bridgton, Raymond, Standish, Gorham, to Portland again, 



42 niSTORY or is-orway. 

once a week ; and the time of his arrival at this, and other 
places, depended on circumstances, the state of the weathei'j 
and the situation of the roads. The newspapers were mostly 
the old Portland Gazette and Eastern Argus ; for there Avere 
at that early day two political parties, though not many Ihlrd 
parties, or ^^ one idea^' parties. The carrier had an enor- 
mous tin horn, or trumpet, which he sounded just before his 
arrival at the respective post-offices, and also in neighborhoods 
■where a man or two took a newspaper ; then the boys and 
girls would run out to get " father's paper," and soon all the 
neishbors learned the news. Mr. Howe carried the mail sev- 
eral years, and was succeeded by a Mr. Smith; after a few 
years, Joshua Pool, of this town, succeeded Smith, and "Wil- 
liam Sawin succeeded Pool — all of them carrying the mail 
and newspapers in the same way. About 1812, a Mr. Brown, 
of Waterford, became a mail-contractor, and ventured to con- 
vey the mail in a one-horse wagon, (one-horse wagons came 
into being about that time,) and once in a while would cai-ry 
a passenger or two to Portland, or some other place. James 
Longley succeeded Mr. Brown, and the mail-route was so 
altered that a mail ran direct from Portland to Norway "Spil- 
lage and Paris Hill. Longley had the hardihood to run a 
pair of horses and double-sleigh in winter, and a four-wheeled 
carriage in summer, though his patronage in the way of 
passengers was rather small. However, by perseverance and 
attention, Longley in a few years built np a pretty good busi- 
ness, and Avas finally succeeded by John B. Stowell. He 
owned the line for a few years, and was succeeded by G. G. 
Waterhouse, who owned the line, and most of the time han- 
dled the reins himself, until the railroad went into operation, 
when he was transferred to the cars as conductor on a passen- 
ger train. I must be permitted to say a word about "SYater- 
house, as a stage-driver ; (not intending, in the least, to speak 
disparagingly of his predecessors.) He was ever attentive 
t<3 the wants and comfort of his passengers, and very correct 



niSTORY OF NORWAY. 43 

in doing the thousand errands intrusted to his care. lie 
finally raised the character of the line to an eminent pitch, 
and before the conveyance by cars took place, it was not un- 
common to see three, or more, four-horse coaches come into 
Norway A^illage, all loaded to overflowing — bringing some- 
times sixty passengers. 

About December, 1819, a company of sixteen individuals 
got up a two-horse stage to run from Norway Village to 
Bethel, and finally to Lancaster, New Hampshire. We en- 
countered much opposition at first in regard to the mail, but 
at length made it a popular and profitable line, till superseded 
by the railroad. Anthony Bennett, the son of Capt. Anthony 
Bennett; was one of .the company, and was the driver for sev- 
eral years, and raised the character of the line, as business 
on the route increased, so much, that the company sold out 
the concern without any loss or trouble ; which was doing 
pretty well for so wild a project, as it was called at the be- 
ginning. Orren Hobbs, a grandson of Jeremiah Hobbs. drove 
some on this route, and on the Portland route in Waterhouse'.s 
employ; afterwards he was on the route from Portland to 
Augusta. For a few years previous to the commencement of 
railroad conveyance, A. A. Latham drove a four-horse coaclt 
from Norway to Bethel and Shelburne, on the Lancaster 
route, and ho was considered a very gentlemanly driver. 
Both Hobbs and Latham have been transferred to the cars as 
conductors, which shows pretty clearly how they were es- 
teemed as drivers of coaches for public conveyance. 

After Mr. Reed retired from the post-office, G. J. Ordway, 
(a son of Amos Ordway, who married, for a second wife, 
Mary Ames, the oldest daughter of Samuel Ames, the first 
miller in Bustfield.) was appointed post-master, and kept the 
office a few years ; he was succeeded by Asa Thayer, wlio a 
few yeaVs before came from Paris to Norway ; and in 184*.), 
Elliot Smith, the present incumbent, succeeded to the office. 
Elliot Smith is the youngest son of Joshua Smith, and tlio 



44 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

only oiic living. I ask pardon for getting so for aliead, as 
to dates ; but I thought the reader would better understand 
the matter in regard to our post-oflSce and mail concerns, if 
it was related altogether — -therefore I have made this digress- 
ion ; but I will now return back to 1801. 

In 1801, Amos Upton built a grist-mill on a brook about 
three-fourths of a mile westerly of Fuller's Corner. It was 
rather a rudely constructed thing, as he did almost all the work 
himself, even to the making of the mill-stones. His oldest 
son, Francis Upton, afterwards owned said mill, and tended it 
for many years. In the drought of summer there was not 
sufficient water to grind ; but at other times it did considerable 
business, and was a great convenience to the settlers in the 
northwest part of the town. Amos Upton, Jr., another son 
of Amos Upton, succeeded his brother Francis : he built a 
new mill on the same stream, a little above the old one, and 
did considerable business in grinding. Jonathan Swift, some 
twenty-five years ago, succeeded Amos Upton, Jr., and after- 
wards built a new mill, Avhich is still in operation. 

This year, Phinehas Whitney, on the Waterford three tiers, 
had the misfortune to lose his house by fire. It was a log 
house, to be sure ; but it was all he had. It was quite a dis- 
tressing circumstance to him and his family, who were in 
rather poor circumstances before the loss. Mr. Whitney was 
a soldier through all the revolutionary war. He was in the 
battle of Bunker Hill, and I have often heard him tell the 
story of that memorable contest. He said that just as he had 
put his last charge into his gun, the British forces had about 
reached their rude breastwork ; a British officer mounted the 
embankment, and cried out to his soldiers to " rush on, as the 
fort was their own ; " Whitney then took deliberate aim at 
him, and, to use his own language, " let him have it," and he 
fell into the entrenchment. He then clubbed his musket, and 
cleared his way the best he could, and finally made good his 
retreat. 



HISTORY OF NORWAt. 45 

Jacob Frost, ■who moved from Tewksbury, IMass., into Nor- 
way, in 1800, was also in the battle of Bunker Hill. He 
was severely wounded in the hip by a musket ball, and taken 
prisoner. Afterwards he was carried to Halifax, where he was 
immured in a filthy prison, and his wound poorly attended 
to — the ball never being extracted ; he remained there several 
months, and suffered almost everything but death. While 
yet very lame, he, with three fellow-prisoners, planned a way 
to escape, by removing a stone, and digging out under the 
wall of their prison. This they effected without discovery ; 
but, sad to relate, one of their number was too large to get 
through the opening, and after using every possible exertion, 
he had to be pushed back into his cell, and left to his lonely 
and miserable fa*e. Frost and the other two made their way 
to the nearest thicket, or woods, and as soon as daylight began 
to appear, they concealed themselves as best they could, where 
they lay till darkness again covered their flight. Mr. Frost 
was still too lame to make much headway, but his companions 
in suffering proved true and faithful friends, and did not leave 
him, but helped him along--oftentimes carrying him on their 
backs. Frost was concealed under a large tree turned up by 
the roots, and a quantity of old leaves thrown over him, dur- 
ing the first day. In the morning they were missed ; pursuit 
and search were immediately made for them, aod while he 
was under the old tree, some soldiers came along on the trail 
of the fugitives, and sat down to rest themselves, and talked 
over the matter of the escape of the prisoners, on the same 
log under Avhich he lay concealed. Kind reader, can you 
imagine how the poor lame soldier felt while his pursuers were 
sitting on the log and discussing the subject? Don't you 
think his heart went pit-a-pat 7 However, as a kind Provi- 
dence ordered it, the fugitives were not discovered, and as 
soon as night spread its sable mantle over the earth, they 
groped their way along as fast as possible ; they suffered very 
much from hunger, having no food but a few dry crusts, which 



46 HISTORY OF XOIUVAY. 

they had saved from their scanty daily allcwance "while th.ey 
were preparing the Avay to escape. After their old, mouldy 
crusts were gone, they were almost driven to desperation ; and 
one night they carefully approached a house in hopes of find- 
ing something to appease their hunger; but after a long 
search they could find nothing for food, except an old shoe, 
which they tore to pieces and chewed the leather ; and Mv. 
Frost has said that Avas the sweetest morsel he ever ate. Oc- 
casionally they could steal a hen from some farm-yard or 
barn ; but then they had to eat it raw, lest they should Ijo 
discovered by the smoke of their fire if they attempted to 
cook it. Thus they wandered many nights, and concealed 
themselves many days, until they had left a long distance be- 
tween them and their loathsome prison ; and they then began 
to venture out cautiously in the daytime. One day, being 
sorely oppressed with hunger, they ventured up to a house, 
and rapped at the door ; a woman came to the door, and tliey 
asked her for something to eat. She eyed them closely, then 
bade them enter, and hastily set food before them ; she told 
them to eat what they would, take some to carry with them, 
and hasten away as soon as possible ; for if her husband 
should come in he probably Avould secure them if he could. 
What a heavenly trait there is in woman ! Her heart is al- 
ways touched with sympathy for the distressed. They prob- 
ably oftener act from the impulse of the moment than the 
stronger sex : but that they possess more tender feelings of 
benevolence to the suffering, can hardly be doubted by any 
one who has carefully studied human nature. After filling 
their stomachs and pockets, they stole away as carefully as 
they came. After a long and hungry wandering, they finally 
completed their e,scape. Mr. Frost reached his native town, 
and afterwards emigrated to the toAvn of Norway, where he 
lived to a good old age. He like to have died, hoAvever, with 
the bullet in his hip : he often, in former times, told the 
writer that it never had been extracted ; but it Avas finally 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 47 

removed a few years before his death. He was a little lame, 
and had a stiiFness in his hip till he died, January 28th, 1839, 
aged 84 years. 

Previous to 1802, I find the following increase of new set- 
tlers, viz : Josiah Blanchard, John Bancroft, John Case, 
Enoch Merrill, Enoch Merrill, Jr., Daniel Merrill, Alexan- 
der Mills, Amos Cummings, (son of the proprietor of Cum- 
niings Gore) William Bartlett, Daniel Holt, William Hobbs, 
second son of Jeremiah Hobbs, James Packard, Jonathan 
Pottle, Timothy Stone, Joseph Stone, Paul Twombly, Wil- 
liam Twombly, John Hix, Asa Hix, Daniel Davis, John Hor, 
Samuel Pingree, -Joseph Gallison, Samuel Smith, John Ord- 
way, Samuel Watson, Benjamin Tucker, Dr. Heath, and 
probably a few more, that have not come to the knowledge of 
the writer. 

Town officers for 1802— Job Eastman, Clerk : Job East- 
man, Treasurer ; Job Eastman, Cad F. Jones, and Jonathan 
Woodman, Selectmen. 

State tax, $77,33 ; Town and County tax, |184.5,(j0 ; 
number of polls 160 ; number of houses 65, barns 55. It 
may be understood that they did not tax log houses and barns, 
and this accounts for the small number of houses in propor- 
tion to the jwlls. I have not been able to find any highway 
tax for this year ; but it probably was about the same as the 
money tax, and blended with it, as the whole sum is large. 

This year, William Hobbs, (second son of Jeremiah Hobbs) 
commenced trade ; his shop was valued at .$20 — stock in 
trade $50. Benjamin Tucker, born in Canton, Mass., came 
from Worcester, Mass., to this town, the same year, and set 
up the saddle and harness-making business — the first in the 
town. He engaged in the business successfully for many 
years, and his oldest son, Benjamin Tucker, Jr., continues it 
to very good advantage. 

I find a Dr. Heath on the valuation this year, but he was 
not the first doctor in the place. Dr. Shannon was the first, 



48 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

•who stayed but a short time, and Avas succeeded by Dr. Bar- 
rgtt, Avhe soon gave place to Dr. Heath. About 1803, he 
■vvas succeeded by Dr. Swett, who left in 1805 ; and in the 
fall of that year Dr. ISIoses Ayer came into the tOAvn, and 
continued to practice till alx)ut 1824, and was generally es- 
teemed as a very good physician. He then removed to 
Sangerville, but in the latter part'of his life was subject te 
insanity, and died in the insane hospital a few years since. 
Dr. Asa Danforth come into Norway about 1821, and remains 
here at the present time ; he has had an extensive practice. 
Dr. Jonathan S. Millett, (a son of John Millett) was born in 
this town. After studying his profession, and trying some 
other places, he settled down in his native town about 1825, 
and has ever had a large practice. Dr. Danforth and Dr. 
ISIillett, at the present day, and for many years past, proba- 
bly stand as high in the estimation of the community as any 
medical characters in this section of the country. Dr. Jesse 
Howe has recently settled in this town, and so far appears to 
be successful. He is a grandson of our first mail-carrier. I 
liad almost forgotten to mention one other physician and sur- 
geon. Dr. French, who resided in the town a year or more 
•about 1825. He performed a critical operation on a child of 
the writer, fotr blindness, caused by cataracts in both eyes, 
and was successful in restoring the child's sight in a great 
measure. He also amputated a leg for Phinehas Whitney, 
the old soldier, >when he was seventy-five years of age ; the 
old gentleman did well, and lived five or six years after, en- 
joying good health for so old a person. I speak well of the 
surgeon's skill, but no further. Dr. Thomas Roberts, a stu- 
dent of Dr. Millett, partially located himself in the upper 
part of Norway, after completing his studies, about 1831 ; he 
practiced a few years with very good success, and much to 
the satisfaction of his employers. He then removed to Rum- 
ford, whore he still continues his practice, and has the rcpu- 
-tatiou of a good j)hysician. Dr. Nathaniel Ga'ant partially 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. ' 49 

settled in this town about the time Dr. Roberts left ; after a 
short practice he removed to Wakefield, N. H. He married 
the onlj daughter of William Hobbs. Dr. Leander Tripp also 
settled in the upper part of the town, near Swift's Corner, about 
1840, -and remained there a few years, not having a very ex- 
tensive practice. There was also a Thompsonian practitioner, 
of the name of Carsley, from about 1846 to 1848, but much 
need not be said of him. In short, no town has more reason 
to be satisfied with its physicians than the town of Norway 
for the last forty years, and we hope to be as fortunate for the 
next forty. 

Joel Frost had the misfortune to have his barn burnt on the 
fourth day of May, this year. It was caused by fire flying 
from a felled piece, which Ward Noyes, his nearest neighbor, 
was burning. iMr. Frost had been assisting him in setting the 
piece on fire, and they thought there was no danger ; but the 
wind shifted suddenly, and fire was blown among the litter at 
the side of the barn, en^-eloping it in flames in a few minutes. 
This was a serious loss to Mr. Frost, as the barn was nearly 
new, and large for that day ; and much diflSculty and expense 
attended the transpoiiation of boards from Rust's mill at that 
time, owing to the newness and roughness of the road. This 
year Benjamin Flint built a good house, having lived till tliis 
time in one of logs. 

In the foil of 1802, we had the first regimental muster, 
probably, that took place in the County of Oxford — at all 
events, the first in this regiment The place of pai'ade was on 
the spot which I shall now call the burnt district, about where 
Anthony Bennett's buildings stood, and just west of the httle 
bowling-alley. Tlic land was then new, and not much cleared, 
but had had the trees and bushes cut down and burnt over a 
short time before. This muster was a great day among the 
other days of that time. The citizens of the place turned out 
voluntarily, and cleared oif the logs and wood remaining on 
the ground ; they pulled and knocked up the small stumps, and 



50 HISTORY OF XORAVAY. 

leveled the inequalities of the ground as well as they could for 
this important occasion. Martial music at that daj, in this 
place, was an enlivening/ affair, as we had but little of it; and 
in order to be well prepared for the occasion, John Bennett, a 
younger brother of Anthony and Nathaniel Bennett, then quite 
a young man, went down to New Gloucester and obtained a 
j)cwter Jife, and on the evening before the muster, delighted 
the boys and girls, and even older ones, by playing a few tune& 
as a kind of prelude to the much-longed-for, coming day. 

The officers of the regiment were as follows : — Levi Hub- 
bard, of Paris, Colonel ; Mark Andrews, of Buckfield, William 
Livermore, of Livermore, Majors ; William C. Whitney, of 
Hebron, Adjutant. The Companies were from Buckfield, 
Rumford, Francis Keyes, Captain, Hebron, Paris, Otisfield, 

Mores, Captain, Norway, Jonathan Cummings, Captain. 

Six companies in all ; — a pretty formidable military force, and 
armed with muskets of every color, length, and caliber ; some 
with bayonets, and more without ; but the greater part would 
burn powder, which some of them had learned the smell of at 
Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Yorktown, and other places, during our 
revolutionary struggle. The officers of the several companies, 
at least the captains, were armed with a sword and a spontoon ; 
and the uniform was a tri-cornered cocked-hat, deep blue coat, 
fiiced with bright red broadcloth, the facing turned out about 
four inches on each side of the front, buff or yellow A^est and 
pants for the field officers, and white or cream-colored vest and 
pants for the company officers ; and they looked grand, I tell 
you — especially those who bore a shining epaulette on one or 
both shoulders. 

On the opposite side of the street, about where the post-office 
and Beal's block now stand. Ensign Reed had a lot of boards 
piled along by the side of the fence ; and these served nicely 
for the "shanty fixings," where some of the good dames sold 
cakes, pies, maple sugar, (candy was hardly born then) and 
other little refreshments ; while men and boys sold a littlQ 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. * 51 

li(|uor, such as good old "white-face and molasses," known 
then by the sober cognomen of black $/rap, with a little old 
Holland and Cogniac for the use of the officers and other gen- 
tlemen of distinction — but all good enough. No fault was 
found either with the cakes, hquor, soldiers, or officers — in fact, 
everything seemed propitious, excepting that in the afternoon 
the wind blew rather strong, and the dirt and dust becoming 
pretty thoroughly stirred up by the horses' hoofs, and being 
rather dark colored from recent burning, the buff and Avhite 
pants looked tremendously— for many of them appeared as if 
they were putting on mourning for the wash-tub. 

The regiment performed many maneuvers and evolutions 
laid down by old " Steuben," and other mihtary tactitians. 
Both soldiers and officers received the hearty applause and ap- 
probation of all the lookers-on, and that was "glory enough 
for one day," The place felt proud of the parade, the soldiers 
felt proud of their officers, and the officers felt proud of their 
soldiers, but much more so of themselves. In short, it was a 
day of high exultation with all, as it seemed to revive up, and 
rekindle the patriotic feelings which had pervaded the bosoms 
of many old soldiers through the long war that had achieved 
our National Independence. 

The concourse of people -was immensely large, and fortunately 
no accident occurred to mar the enjoyments and festivities of 
the day. The regiment, although afterwards curtailed of a 
part of its territory, continued to increase in numbers and 
"military graces," until it embraced within its limits ten com- 
paryes of infantry, one of artillery, one of riflemen, one of 
cavahy, and two of light infmtry. But those days of mihtary 
parade and glory have passed away, and are now numbered 
among the things that are not ; and probably a like fate awaits 
iiuuiy of the things of the present day. 

Adjutant William C. Whitney is still amongst the living, 
and resides in this town. lie came into this new country, to 
Hebron, when a young man, and has passed through much 



52 HISTORY or NORAVAT. 

hard labor and toil, and many offices of honor and profit, (tlie 
office of Councillor to the Governor several years, and sheriff 
of the County of Oxford for many years more,) and has accu- 
mulated a large share of this -world's goods, -which, according 
to the course of nature, he must, in a few years at most, leave 
to others. Thus we are all passing away, like the rippling 
waters of a stream, every day carrying us nearer to the ocean 
of Eternity. 

This train of thought a})Out old by-gone things brings freshly 
to my mind another of the old worthies of the revolution, and 
of the first settlement of this town, Samuel Ames. He was 
the drummer at this famous muster, and the first man that heat 
a (Jnim in the town of Norway. He was the first miller, and 
made about the first wagons that were built in the town ; and 
he was first in many other things pertaining to those old-fash- 
ioned times. He was 93 years old Feb. 25, 1852, but up to 
that time, and after, retained his physical and mental faculties 
in a remarkable manner. I- have spent days with him, taking 
notes of events that occurred in the early settlement of this 
town, prior to my personal knowledge of the place and people. 
He Avas very clear on all subjects which ever came Avitliin his 
notice, and particularly so in regard to dates. It makes my 
heart feel sad to be so often called upon to part with these 
standard settlers. Since his last birth-day, wliile discoursing 
with him about "old things," he, with a smile on his counte- 
nance, observed to me that he delighted to help me to every 
thing within his recollection, but added he, " I feel a presenti- 
ment that I shall not live to see the book."' And it seem^his 
presentiment was verified, for he departed this life March 18, 
1852, much lamented. 

In 1803, Town officers as follows : Joseph Rust, Clerk ; 
Job Eastman, Treasurer ; Benjamin Witt, Natha<n Noble, 
and Timothy Stone, Selectmen. 



IIISTOllY OF NORWAY. 53 

State tax, - _ - - - $ 77,33 

Town voted to raise for schools, - 300,00 

Town charges, - - - 20,00 

Total, - - - . .$-397,33 

Number of Polls 1G2. Highway tax same year, ,$803,18. 
Can not find any County tax for this year. At another 
meeting held at the house of Joseph Stevens some time this 
year, the town voted to raise $150 to repair the pond bridge, 
so called, near Rufus Bartlett's. 

This year, Henry Rust, Jr., a son of Henry Rust, the 
pro})rietor of Rustfield, became an inhabitant of the town ; 
also Samuel Pingree, Stephen Pingree, Jr., Elijah Flint, 
Charles Kinsman, and some others. Besides the addition 
made by new-comers, several of the sons of the early settlera 
had now become of ac^e, and were manv of them beijinniiK'- 
to make settlements for themselves. William Lcssley and 
Amasa Lessley had become of age, and now lived on the 
same farm on which their father, George Lessley, began ; ho 
being one of the first five settlers who came into Rustfield, 
and died in 1800, as I find the estate taxed to his widow in 
1801. Joel Stevens, Jr., the oldest son of Joel Stevens, 
about this time, or previous, began on a lot on the "VYaterford 
tliree tiers ; he raised corn one year, and then sold out to the 
Pingrees. Mr. Stevens lived in the town many years, and 
in many places, and died in Otisfield, 1847. Daniel Davis, 
John Case; Morton Curtis. Noah Curtis, Levi Frank, George 
l-)oughty, and Thomas Wood, were new-comers into the town. 
Among the sons of the old settlers, besides those ali'cady 
named, were Amos Upton, Ji-., Daniel Stevens, Jonas Ste- 
vens, Frye Lovejoy, Micah Upton, Daniel Knight, Jr., and 
probably some others. 

Tlie military aftairs underwent some change this year. 
<_'apt. Jonathan Cummings was promoted to a Major in tho 
regiment, and Anthony Bennett promoted from a Lieutenant 
to Captain, and Ward Noyes chosen Lieutenant. 



54 HISTORY or NOR^YAY. 

This year, David Frost, an old gentleman, and Joliu Frost, 
his oldest son, and three other sons, Robert, Peter, and Wil- 
liam, moved into Norway, upon Frost's hill, so called ; also 
Samuel AndrcAvs and Moses Gammon commenced farms in 
the same neighborhood. They came from Gorham, Maine. 
Daniel Young, this year, came from New Gloucester, and 
set up the hatting business with Joseph Gallison, I find 
William Bartlett on the books this year ; he moved here from 
Hebron, where he had lived two or three years, but originally 
came from Plymouth, Mass. He had a flimily of several 
children, the oldest of whom was Esther Bartlett, well known 
for many years as a tailoress. She and her sister Emily 
plied their needles with diligence for many years, and during 
the last years of their parents' lives, who lived to a very ad- 
vanced age, they manifested the most filial affection towards 
them, always doing all in their power to render their old age 
comfortable and happy. An example worthy of imitation by 
r.ll future sons and daughters. Amos Town, from Andover, 
Mass., came into Norway this year, and felled trees on the 
Cummings Gore, in order to settle permanently in the place. 

Town officers for 1804 : Job Eastman, Clerk : Job East- 
man. Treasurer ; Benjamin Witt, Nathan Noble, and Timothy 
Stone, Selectmen : Jonathan Swett, Collector. It appears 
tliat Ebenezer Yuiitmarsh was mostly Collector of taxes from 
the incorporation of tlie town up to 1804 ; and the bills were 
this year taken from Swett and given to Whitmarsh, and he 
Avas succeeded by Aaron Wilkins, who collected the taxes for 
one year. 

At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Nor- 
way, held at the house of Maj. Jonathan Cummings, in said 
town, March 5, 1804, the following sums of money were 
voted to be raised, viz : Voted to raise nine hundred dollars 
to be laid out in repairing the highways, ^900,00 

Voted to raise for the support of schools, 350.00 

Voted to raise to defray town charges, 120,00 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 55 

Yoted to raise to purchase Weights and Measures, 75,00 
Voted for the support of the poor, 150,00 



$1595,00 
State tax, }|^77,33. County tax missing. Number of 
polls 169 ; number of scholars 320. Total value of rateable 
property in the town of Norway, as taken by the assessors in 
the year of our Lord 1804, .$40,977. 

I came from Massachusetts into the town of Norway, Feb^ 
12th, 1804, and must be pardoned if I give a short descrip- 
tion of the appearance of the place at that early day. There 
were three two-story buildings in the Village, viz : the Reed 
store, which has lately been remodelled, and an addition put 
to it, by Robert Noyes, the old house recently occupied by 
Ichabod Bartlett, Esq., and the old Samuel Smith house^ 
which formerly stooil where William C. Whitney's house now 
stands. There were a few other houses in the Village, but 
mostly small and poor. There were six more two-story houses 
in other parts of the town, viz : Nathaniel Bennett's, Dudley 
Pike's, the Rust house on the hill, Amos Hobbs', Joel Ste- 
vens', and Jonathan Cummings ; and the house in the Village 
now owned by John Deering was in progress of building, by 
John Ordway. I think that about that time, or soon after, 
Capt. Henry Rust brought a chaise into the Village, from 
Salem ; and there was no other wheeled carriage in the town, 
except a very few ox-carts and ox-wagons, which were scarce 
articles at that time. There was not such a thing as a cart 
or wagon west of Fuller's Corner, and not a one-horse wagon 
in the town before 1809. The vehicles for winter conveyance 
were about of the same character as those for summer. The 
farmers who were able had a double market sleigh or sled, 
and generally a one-horse pung, as they used to call them ; 
they were usually made by setting the studs into the top- 
pieces, and bending on the runners, which were made of a 
straight, tough Icverwood or beech, and a seat to lay across 



56 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

when the ladies rode to a meeting or a party. In the sum- 
mer, or fall, when the ladies rode, it was on horse-back, either 
alone, or behind their husband or beau ; and if behind, often 
on a pillion, if they had one. Now, girls, do n't laugh ; for 
I have seen as pretty girls ride in this manner as I ever saw 
in my life, as old as I am. 

The first fire in the Village took place about this time ; 
the building Avas a potash — loss not very distressing. There 
was one other potash in the town, first put up by Maj. Jona- 
than Cummings, and after a few years purchased by Benjamin 
Fuller, and moved up to Fuller's Corner. Fuller used to 
take ashes of the inhabitants in that part of the town, and 
pay them in molasses, salt-fish, salt, &c., which he received 
in exchange for his potash. It helped make business for Mr. 
Fuller, and he was a business man at that day. 

In 1805, Town officers as follows : Job Eastman, Clerk ; 
Job Eastman, Treasui'cr ; Henry Rust, Jr.. Nathan Noble, 
and Aaron Wilkins, Selectmen ; Aaron Wilkins, Collector. 

Valuation of taxable property, $4\ ,717. Numlier of polls, 
187 ; houses 80 ; barns 79. Town voted to raise money as 
follows: For schools, - - $400,00 

For support of poor, and town charges, 200,00 

To pay Collector, ' - - - . 24,00 



5^024.00 
$77,3:3 
Overlaid to pay Collector, - - 2,93 



State tax, _ _ _ - $77,33 



#80,26 
I can not determine the exact amount of highway tax, but 
think it to be about $800. 

The following persons became inhabitants of the town pre- 
vious to the taking of this valuation : Ebenezer Jenkins, 
Moses Ayer, Luther Farrar, Josiah Farrar, James Flint, 
Elijah Flint, Moses Holt, Daniel Holt, Jesse Howe, John 
Needham, Stephen Pingrce, Ilczckiah Pingree, Solomon 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 57 

Root, Joseph H. Root, Joseph Shackley, John Thomas, John 
ShaAv, Eliphalet Watson, Ebenezer Watson, Asa Ricker, Jon- 
athan Shed, John Bennett, Thomas BeaL The following 
persons, sons of the older settlers, had now become of age, 
and were taxed for their own polls, and property, if they had 
acquired any, and many of them were beginning to make 
farms for themselves : Asa Lovejoy, Jr., John Pike, Jr., 
Enoch Lovejoy, Enoch Knight, James Buck, Jared M. Buck, 
Stephen Bartlett, and pro])ably some others, both of new im- 
migrants, and those arriving at the age of twenty-one years. 
I must say a word about some of tlie new immigrants into 
the place. jMoses x\yer I have already spoken of as one of 
our doctors. Luther Farrar was of the legal profession, (a 
lawyer, as the common phrase is.) and as a lawyer his char- 
acter was (I was almost on the point of saying) sp(^tles8 ; and 
if any should say that he was not a great tnan, I think there 
arc none to say that he was not a good man. Ever bland 
and courteous in his deportment and intercourse with all, he 
■was cmpbatically a peacemaker among his fellow-men. He 
never encouraged any frivolous, dirty litigation, but endeav- 
ored to bring about an amicable adjustment of such difficulties 
as ought to be settled without resort to legal process. Ho 
married ]Mercy A. Whiting, from Now Ipswicli, X. IL Slie 
came here in the fall of 180(>. and the probability is that ho 
came some time in 1804. His health while here was rather 
delicate, and his debility finally terminated in consumption, of 
which he died, much lamented, early in the spring of 1812. 
1 Ic had an extensive run of business, and built the house and 
office now occupied by Levi Whitman, who became a partner 
in business with Mr. Farrar a fcAV months before his death ; 
and finally succeeded him in almost everything — that is, in 
l)usiness, property, (partly by purchase,) and wife — as after a 
few years he married Mr. Farrar"s widow, who was, and still 
is, a very amiable and capable woman ; and what I consider 
as another item of importance. Mr. AY hitman has always pur- 



68 HISTORY OF XORWxiV. 

sued the same peaceful course as his predecessor, by discoun- 
tenancing all frivolous and mean litigation. During Mr. 
Farrar's lifetime, another attorney by the name of Adams 
made an attempt to settle here ; but the soil did not at that 
time prove strong enough to bear two lawyers, and he retired. 
In 1832 and '-33, William A. Evans made a short stand in 
!Norway, as an attorney, and did some business for the time 
he was here, but finding the feed rather short, sought a better 
field. Moses B. Bartlett, an attorney from Bethel, and Wil- 
liam W. Virgin, an attorney from Eumford, came into Norway 
Village throe years or more ago ; they are doing a decent 
business, and bid very fair to become useful and eminent 
gentlemen of the legal profession. I do not feel disposed to 
eulogize living cliaracters too strongly, lest it might excite 
feelings of vanity in the subjects, and of envy in the minda 
of others ; but I will add one word in regard to Mr. Virgin, 
who has commenced one very important suit since coming 
here, and it has had a happy termination in his marriage with 
a daughter of H. G. Cole, Esq. Mr. Bartlett married a lady 
from Brunsvfick before coming to Norway. 

Josiah Farrar, a brother to Luther Farrar, was a clothier ; 
he stayed here a few years only, and then went to Waterford. 
Daniel Holt and Moses Holt were blacksmiths, and worked in 
the Village. Moses died many years ago. Daniel was always 
a persevering mechanic, till old age abated his activity. He 
still lives in the Village, enjoying a competence — the fruit 
of an industrious life. John Shaw put in operation at the 
Steep Falls a carding-machine, the first in the town or vicinity. 
He was succeeded by Samuel RatclilF, in the same machine, a 
few years after. Carding and clothier.'s work, at that period, 
and for twenty or thirty years after, were almost indispensable 
to the inhabitants. Few people wore any finer cloth than 
that made in their own families ; and, in fact, gentlemen were 
proud to appear dressed in a suit of clothes spun and woven 
by their own wives and daughters. The spinning-wheel and 



HISTOIIY OF NORWAY. 59 

the loom made clieering music in almost every house. Gen- 
tlemen in broadcloth, and ladies in silk were rather rare 
articles, and appeared but seldom in this "down east'" coun- 
try at that early period. Joseph Shackley undertook the 
management of llust's tan-yard, where he continued to tan 
and curiy hides for many years, and did well, too, in the old 
fashioned way. 

This year, the first saw-mill in the Village was destroyeil 
by fire, in March, but was rebuilt during the summer fol- 
lowing. William Beal • had tended tlte saw-mill for several 
years previous, and continued to for four or five years after. 

The County of Oxford was organized this year, it having 
heretofore formed a part of Cumberland County. Joseph 
Rust, of Norway, was chosen llegister of Deeds for said 
County, and served in that office till his death, which took 
place in the spring of 1815, He Avas an excellent Register, 
as the books will now show on examination. In order to 
avoid mistakes as to dates, among such a multiplicity of items 
to be noticed, I shall here give a list of such persons belong- 
ing, or having belonged to the town, as have served as officers 
of the County since its organization : 

Joseph Rust, Register of Deeds, served ten years. 1807 : 
Henry Rust, County Treasurer, and served till his decease in 
1820, thirteen years. 1815 ; Levi Whitman, County Attor- 
ney, and served till 1833, eighteen years. 1820 ; Henry 
Rust, Jr., County Treasurer, and served till 1829, ten years. 
1838 ; David Noycs, County Commissioner, and again in 
1841, served two years. 1838 ; Henry W. Millett, Sherifi", 
and again in 1841, served two years. 1842 ; Jonathan B. 
Smith, County Commissioner, and served till 1845, four years- 
Jonathan Swift has been Senator in the State Legislature 
two years. 

I will now return back to the old track, and begin again 
with 1806. The name of the town Clerk lias no>y become 
stcreotpyed, and will l"<^main so for forty years. 



60 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

In 1806, Job Eastman, Clerk : Henry Rust. Treasurer ; 
Joseph Rust, Anthony Bennett, and Aaron Wilkins, Select- 
men ; James French, Collector of taxes. 

Money tax, embracing State, County, and town, ^816,11. 
Poll tax in the assessment, $1. Highway tax, as assessed, 
$1016,68. Poll tax in the same, $2. Number of polls, 
181 ; scholars, 393. 

The following persons moved into tOAvn previous to the 
taking of the valuation for this year : John Wagg, a Baptist 
minister, Ephraim Twombly, Willis Sampson, Aaron Shackley, 
Jonathan Pollard, Benjamin Peabody, Edward Oaks, Thomas 
Judkins, Moses Houghton. Stejihen Greenleaf, Holmes Doten, 
Thomas George. The following became of age, and were 
taxed in their own names : Anjier Tuljbs, James Packard, Jr., 
Zophaniah Frost, Frederick Colturn, who came from Massa- 
chusetts in 1800 with AVard Noyes. and Avas an apprentice at 
the carpenter and joiner business, Daniel Cummings, John 
Cummings. 

There was a total eclipse of the sun on the 16th day of 
June, and it Avas so dark that a few stars were visible ; birds 
acted as though they were retiring for night, and all things 
appeared gloomy and dark. 

Town oiheers in 1807 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Henry Rust^ 
Treasurer ; Aaron Wilkins. William Parsons, and Cad F. 
Jones, Selectmen ; James French, Collector of taxes. 

State tax for 1807, - - - $107,33 

Countvtax, - - - - 89^54 

Town 'tax, - - - - 750! 00 

Deficiency of hi-hwav tax for 1806, - SIAS 

OverlaviuL^s, ^ ^ - - - 29^89 



Total amount of Collector's bills, - ,$1014,19 

Hfghway tax, $1208,65. Poll tax on higlnvay, $2, and in 
money tax, $1,50. Number of polls, 184; scholars, 407. 

New immigrants into the town this year : Joseph Brad- 
bury, Isaac Lovejoy, Daniel Smith, Jonathan Shed, Jr., 



HISTORY OF NORWAY, 61 

Elijah Joixlan, John Clifford, Francis Butcher, David Major, 
Increase Robinson. Those arriving at twentj-one years of 
age, and taxed in their own names, were : James French. Jr., 
Jeremiah Hobbs, Jr., Jeremiah Ilobbs, 3d, Benjamin Her- 
ring. Jr., Enoch Holt, "William Pike. Joseph Stevens, Jr., 
Charles Stevens, Charles Tubbs, John "VYuodbridge, Charles 
Young, Alexander Hill. 

In May, this year, a shocking accident happened. Joel 
Stevens, Jr., and William Stevens, sons of Joel Stevens, and 
Francis Butcher, a hired man, went to a brook between the 
Mud pond and the Sand pond for the purpose of catching 
suckers, a kind of fish very plenty in that brook in the spring 
season. There was a large, high rock near the fishing-place, 
against which fishing-parties were in the habit of building 
fires, and there had been built a kind of camp for a shelter 
when not fishing. After fishing awhile, they laid down in the 
camp in front of the fire, when suddenly the rock split asun- 
der, and a large portion of it fell upon the camp, crushing it 
down upon them ; and William Stevens was so crushed by 
the weight of the rock, that he was carried home in a shock- 
ing condition, and lived about three days, suffering the most 
excruciating pain till his death. Joel Stevens was so con- 
fined down by parts of the camp falling on him, that he could 
not get out till Butcher, who fortunately was not confined, 
took their axe and chopped off the poles, and thus liberated 
him ; although considerably bruised, he was not dangerously 
hurt. William Stevens was a very amiable, sprightly young 
man, and his sudden death was deeply lamented, not by his 
family only, but by all around him. A funeral sermon was 
preached by Noah Cresey, who came here as a preacher a few 
weeks previous, from the following text: "For man also 
knoweth not his time : as the fishes, that are taken in an 
evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare ; so 
are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth 
suddenly upon thcjn.''— -EcclesiasteS; ix., 12. I shall never 



62 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

forget the fervor and solemnity of that discourse, and I then 
set it down in my mind that he was a man Avho coukl cut 
without patterns. But I shall speak more of him when I 
take up the religious affairs of the town. 

The school-house in district No. 1, or Capt. Jones' district, 
was huilt in 1806 ; one in the Village in 1805 ; one in tho 
Parsons district prior to 1800, time not exactly known ; one 
in the Bennett district ahout 1807, and one at Fuller's Cor- 
ner about the same time. 

A saw-mill was built by Jonathan Cummings on the outlet 
of the little Pennessewassee pond as early as 1804, and in 
180G it was taken to pieces and moved down the stream a few 
rods ; but it never did a great business, and rotted down 
many years ago. 

In the spring or summer of this year, (1807) a flagrant 
outrage was committed by a British armed ship-of-the-line 
on the United States frigate Chesapeake, from which the 
British commander took three seamen, under the pretence 
that they were British subjects. Our government was highly 
incensed at the proceeding, and by way of putting the nation 
in a posture of defence, ordered a draft of one hundred thou- 
sand militia. Capt. Anthony Bennett was ordered to make 
the requisite draft from his company ; but he, thinking a 
sufficient number would volunteer their services, beat up for 
volunteers ; when, behold ! every man, with the exception of 
owe, turned out, and he stood in no enviable position alone, 
where the ranks stood a few minutes before. ■ Thus the reader 
can see that the ]Maine boys Avere ready to resist the rigJit of 
search at that early day. The Captain finally had to make 
the draft of the requisite number, but happily, the drafted 
soldiers were never called for. I will here add that Capt. 
Anthony Bennett performed his last military services in the 
fill of this year. He wa3 a carpenter and mill-wright, and 
was at work on a mill at Craigie's JMills, in Hebron, (noAV 
Oxford) when the staging gave away, and he fell upon his 



HISTOET OF NORWAY. 63 

broad axe, cutting his thigh in a shocking manner ; the in- 
flammation of the -wound produced a mortification which caused 
his death October 28th. The sokliers lost a highly-respected 
officer, and the town a highly-respected and useful citizen. 

In 1808, town officers as follows : Job Eastman, Clerk ; 

Henry Rust, Treasurer ; Aaron Wilkins, Joshua Smith, and 

Cad F. Jones, Selectmen ; James French, Collector of taxes. 

Valuation of taxable property, |;50,540. Number of 

polls 193. 

State tax, - . - - $109.33 

County tax, - - - - 96.52 

Sum voted by the town, - - 630,00 

Deficiency of highway tax in 1807, - 31.36- 

Overlayings, _ _ _ 37,71 

Overlay ings in County tax, - , - 4.86 

Total money tax, - - - $909,78 

It appears by an old book that a tax bill for $102,54 was 
committed to James French, dated Jan. 11, 1809, to be paid 
into the town treasury on or before the first day of March 
next : — thus making the whole money tax $1012,32. High- 
way tax for same year, $1009,39. 

The following persons came into town previous to this last 
valuation : Philip Abbot, William Cox, Josiah Covel, John 
Haynes, Ephraim Packard, Stephen Sanborn, Daniel Town. 
The following are such as arrived to the age of twenty-one : 
Robinson Hobbs, Iloyt Pingree, Jacob Russell, Ebenczer 
Bancroft. 

In the winter of this year a very sudden death occurred in 
the northwest school- district. At noon-time the boys, as is 
often the case, were playing goal, or " goold," as boys call it, 
and a Francis Major, a boy al)Out fourteen years of age, 
started to go round, and Abial Holt, a boy on the other side, 
pursued him ; the snow-crust bore them very well, but Fran- 
cis slumped through very suddenly, and pitched forward on 
the crust ; he sprang again upon his feet^ and instantly fcU 



64 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

on tlie snow a corpse. The writer was standing with the 
teacher, Mr. Thomas Wood, before the school-house door, 
watching the game, and ran to him in U\o minutes from tlie 
time he fell, and there was no pulse to be felt, or any sign of 
life to be discerned. It was supposed by the doctor that the 
sudden jerk of the neck, as he fell, broke the pith, or spine, 
of the neck, Avhich produced instant death. 

Town officers for 1809 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Henry Rust. 
Treasurer; Joshua Smith, Cad F. Jones, and Nathan Noble, 
Selectmen ; Joseph Bradbury, Collector and Constable. 

At the annual meeting in March, the town voted to raise 
for the highway, - - - $1000,00 

In August an additional sum of - 150,00 

Subse<|uently a third tax of - - 190,00 



Total, - . . _ $1340,00 

Money tax, including State, County, and town taxes, with 
overlaying, &c., $911,17. Value of taxable property, $50.- 
756. Number of polls 212 ; scholars 410. 

The following persons came into town previous to the taking 
of tliis valuation : Nathaniel Abbott, Timothy Abbott, Isaac 
Abbott, Isaiah Hall, Daniel Leighton, John Manchester, Ab- 
ner Stubbs, William Twombly, Jr., John Fifield, Samuel 
Nute, Paul Lombard. The following became of age before 
this valuation was taken : William Foye, John Herring, 
Peter Everett, Jr., Amos Noble, John B. Everett, Henry 
Rust, 3d. 

This year the town of Norway sent its first Representative 
to the Legislature of Massachusetts, viz., Luther Farrar, Esq. 

Town officers for 1810 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Aaron Wil- 
kins, Treasurer ; Aaron Wilkins, Cad F. Jones, Solomon 
Millett, Selectmen ; Joseph Bradbury, Collector and Consta- 
ble. Luther Farrar, Esq., Representative. 

Money tax, for State and town, - $898,46 

County tax not found, supposed, - 76,72 

Total, - - - . $975,18 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 65 

Highway tax, $1000. Number of polls 202; scholars 421. 
Number of inhabitants in the town 1010, by the census. 

New immigrants : lleuben Brackett, George Bridghum, 
Thomas Crocker, Calvin Crocker, Daniel Cummings, Hum- 
phrey Cleaves, Benjamin Eastman, Abiathar Eastman, Uriah 
,Holt, Samuel Hall, Daniel Watson. The following became 
,of age previous to the taking of this valuation : David Noyes, 
Jacob French, Isaac F. Lovejoy, Thomas Pool, John Perry. 
Joseph Stevens, 3d, Amos Young. 

In September, this year, Benjamin Peabody's house was 
burnt in the night, about eleven o'clock. The fire caught, as 
was supposed, in the catting, or topping out, of the chimney. 



CHURCH HISTORY. 

UNIVERSALIST DENOMINATION. 

I have as yet said nothing about the religious affairs of the 
plantations, or town, since its incorporation. But we are not 
to suppose that affairs of a religious nature were wholly neg- 
lected. By the laws of jMassachusetts, at that time, towns 
having a certain number of inhabitants Avere obliged to have 
a certain quantum of preaching in each year ; and no other 
than the standing order, (as it was sometimes called) or 
orthodox, or otherwise, the Congregational order, was consid- 
ered as coming witliin the meaning of the law ; therefore all 
taxable persons Avere under the liability of being assessed for 
the support of preaching, whether the doctrine preached coin- 
cided with their particular religious sentiments or not. Hence, 
some little difficulties arose in regard to raising money to liire 
preaching. Under these circumstances, whether the law made 
the provision or not, the time soon arrived when it was no 
uncommon thing for individuals possessing religious sentiments 
.different from the faith sanctioned by the State, to form them- 
selves into regular societies, and draw their tax back from the 
town treasury, in order to apply it to the support of preach- 
ing adapted to their own sentiments. The following extracts 
5 



66 HISTOKY OF NORAVAY. 

from the old Society record will show the state of things iu 
early days. Extract from the record here follows : 

November 20fh, 1798. 

Whereas it is contemplated, as a matter of publick utility 
and advantage, to have the Doctrine of the Grace of , God dis- 
pensed among mankind for their mutual comfort and edification, 
that they thereby understand the nature and character of their 
Creator God, may be led to put their trust in him at all times, 
and thereby feel their hearts inclined to love him, and one 
another, and not only view in prospect, but know in reality 
how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in 
unity — where all (^iscord will cease, and party spirit Come to 
an end. It is likewise contemplated to invite Brother Thomas 
Barns (who is a man of sobriety, and sustains a good moral 
character, whom we conceive to have a good degree of under- 
standing in the Doctrine of the Grace of God, and favoured 
with a gift to dispense the same to his fellow-men) to move 
his family into these parts, where it is conceived he would be 
of great use in the regulation of societies, whose decorum, and 
good deportment would greatly adorn our profession. It is 
furthermore considered expedient (lest we should bring a bur- 
den on him and his family unable to support) to assist him 
in procuring a place where his family may be comfortably 
situated. 

We, therefore, who have hereunto subscribed, agree to be- 
stow upon him, of freedom, and choice, the sum affixed to our 
names ; in case he move his family into these parts for the 
purpose as above — 

PARIS. NORWAY. 



Levi Hubbard, Ten dollars. 
Daniel Staples, Ten dollars 



Nathaniel Bennett, five dollars. 
Benj. Witt, five dollars. 
Levi Bartlett, five dollars. 
Anthony Bennett, five dollars. 
Benj. Herring, five dollars. 
A true Copy from the original, 

Attest, JOSEPH RUST, Clerk. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. G7 

We, the subscribers, Inhabitants of Norway and the adja- 
cent Towns, believing it to be the right as well as the duty 
of men to join in society, and publickly, at stated times and 
seasons unite in the worship of the only living and true God, 
and as some of us have made voluntary provision for the sup- 
port of a publick Teacher of piety, religion and morality ; we 
do agree to establish an annual meeting, and also to appoint 
other Society meetings as shall be thought proper by the sub- 
scribers for the purpose of choosing a publick teacher, or 
teachers, a Clerk and Committee, and other officers as shall 
be thought necessary by the subscribers for the peace and 
good order of the society ; we also agree that at such society 
meetings subscriptions shall be opened for the purpose of de- 
fraying the expenses of the society, such as the Building, or 
Hiring a convenient place for publick worship, for the support 
of publick teachers and other expenses, which may arise 
according to the vote of the society, which subscription shall 
be disposed of by the vote of the society ; each subscriber 
having an equal right to vote in this, and all other matters 
that pertain to the regulations of this society ; and we do 
agree as Disciples of Jesus Christ to live in peace among our- 
selves ; Claiming no right to exercise authority over the con- 
sciences of each other in spiritual matters, but henceforth 
stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. 
And furthermore we agree that this Society composed of the 
following subscribers shall bear the appellation of the first 
Religious society in Norway, and subscribe ourselves " Chris- 
tian Independents " believing in the doctrine of the Salvation 
of all men by Jesus Christ. 

March Id, 1799. 
Daniel Staples, Moris Shannon, Levi- Bartlett, 
Levi Hubliard, Samuel Ames, William White, 

William Babb, Anthony Bennett, Nathaniel Young, 

Eiisha Cummings, Benjamin Herring, Joseph Rust, 
Bcnj. Witt, Nathaniel Bennett, Josiah Bisco. 

A true copy from the original, 

Attest, JOSEPH BUST, Clerk. 



SS HISTORY OF NORWAT. 

The following receipt -will show that Thomas Barnes had 
really become a regular preacher in this society. 

Norway, April 12th, A. D., 1800. 

Then settled witli -the Committee of the religious society 
in Norway, and received full compensation for my services as 
.a preacher of the Gospel in that society for the year 1799. 
Signed By me, Thomas Barnes. 

A true Copy from the original. 

Attest, JOSEPH RUST, Clerk. 

In 1801, I find the names on the record to be nineteen in 
number. It appears that this society erected a meeting-house 
in 1801, and probably covered the outside, and completed it 
in the course of the ensuing year. I find the following to 
prove its erection : 

Notification. — The Universalists, or the Christian Inde- 
pendent society of the towns of Paris and Norway are hereby 
Notified that their annual meeting will be held on Monday 
the tenth day of May next at ,the Meeting-house in Norway 
nt 2 o'clock P. M., for the following purposes viz : 

1st, To choose a Moderator for said Meeting. 

2d, To choose a Clerk for the society for the ensuing year. 

8d, To choose a Committee to transact the necessary busi- 
ness of the society. 

4th, To choose a Committee especially for the purpose of 
giving Certificates to those ,of the society, who may apply for 
,the same, in order to obtain the money that they may be 
obliged to pay as Minister tax to any town Corporation, or 
other society, who may presume to exercise authority over them. 

5th, To choose a Collector, and Treasurer for the society, 
tind to transact any othei' business thought proper when met. 
Per order of the Committee. 

Norway, 2^th April, 1802. 

JOSEPH RUST, Society Clerk. 
A true record. Attest, Joseph Rust, Clerk. 

When called to act on the fourth article, Anthony Bennettj 



HISTORY OF XORWAY. 60 

Joseph Rust, Levi Bartlett, were chosen as said committee. 
In order to show the use of such a committee, I here insert 
an old document on the subject : 

We, the subscribers, Thomas Barnes, publick teacher of a 
society in the religious sect, or denomination called Univer- 
salists in the town of Norlvay, and Anthony Bennett and 
Joseph Rust Committee of said society do hereby certify that 
Benjamin Tucker doth belong to said Society, and that he 
frequently and usually, when able, attends with us in our 
stated meetings for religious worship. 

Thomas Barnes, . 
Joseph Rust, 

Norway, Jaimaryllfh, l%^o. Anthony Bennett. 

On the back of the foregoing certificate are the following' 

endorsements : 

Norn-ay, Sept. 14^'A, 1803. 

Sir, please to pay Mr. Thomas Barns sixty-three cents it 
being Benjamin Tucker's proportion of Minister tax for the 
year 1802. BENJAMIN WITT, ) Selectmen 

NATHAN NOBLE, ) of Norway. 

To Job East.aiax, Esq., Town Treasurer. 

To ]Mr. William Hobbs Collector of the town of Norway, 
please to pay the contents of the underwritten order, and this 
shall be received in the Treasury the same as cash. 

Job Eastman, Treasurer. 

N. B. — The certificate was duly backed over by Tucker. 

The Baptist denomination labored under the same embar- 
rassments, as the following certificate will show : 

This certifies to whom it may concern, that John Parsons 

of Norway joined the Baptist, Church of Christ in Paris in 

the year one thousand sevea hundred and ninety-six, and has, 

and does now attend publick Avorship with us. 

James Hooper, Minister. 

John Willis, ) ^ ... 
T • T Committee. 

LexM L Jackson, ) 

Paris, June !he G. A. D.. 1801. 



70 HISTORY or Norway. 

It appears by the record, April 21, 1804, that the society 
numbered thirty-six. 

The meeting-house built in the Village Avas the first in the 
town, and as some (Avho ought to know) say, was the first 
Universalist church erected in the District of Maine. In 
1805, the Universalist Society 'of Paris and NorAvay was in- 
corporated by an act of the Legislature of Massachusetts. 
During several successive years things went along with the 
usual progress of matters, like all other societies. Mr. Barnes 
continued to preach with them, with occasionally some other 
preachers, and among others Sebastian Streeter. In 1822, 
there were forty paying members, (and such are, in all soci- 
eties, the best members.) Nov. 22, 1828, the society, ha'ving 
it in contemplation to build a new house, voted to sell the old 
one. Nov. 28, 1828, they voted to build a new house, and 
chose the following committee to superintend the building of 
the same : Nathaniel Bennett. Elijah Hall, Asa Danforth, 
Asa Barton, and Joshua Crockett. Benjamin B. Miarray 
became the preacher in this society a short time previous to 
building the new house, and continued till some time in the 
year 1832. The new house was finished and dedicated in 
1829. In 1833, the Rev. Henry Hawkins was invited to 
preach to the society, and continued its teacher and preacher 
for a short time. In 1837, Rev. Luke P. Rand was called 
by the society to become its religious teacher, and remained 
till some time in 1840. In 1838, there was a great revival 
in the society, and an addition of twenty-six members was 
made, which Avas almost four times the xmmber of its first 
foundei's. Soon after the withdrawal of Mr. Rand, the Rev. 
T. J. Tenney Avas invited to become the teacher of the soci- 
ety, and remained till 1846. In 1849, Rev. J. L. Stevens 
Avas called to become the pastor of the society, and continues 
Avith it up to the present time. Li 1851, the society remod- 
elled and rededicated their house, and put into it an elegant 
organ. As a religious society it appears flourishing. The 
paying members noAv number fi^ty-eight. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 71 

Since the first organization of the society, very many of 
the old members have bid adieu to all sublunar things, and 
passed to the spirit land, " from whose bourne no traveler 
returns ; " but their places seemed to be filled with others, 
(with many additions) who are springing up after them. 
May the society, and its teachers, ever enjoy the smiles and 
guidance of that Being, " whose right it is to rule." 



CONGREGATIONAL DENOMINATION. 

I now proceed to give some account of the Congregational 
church and society in Norway, as that was the next in order 
of organization, except what was done to fulfil the require- 
ments of the law, before any society was formed. 

It seems, by the best authority Avithin my reach, that Mr. 
Gould, some years afterwards settled in Bethel, was the first 
minister that was hired to preach in the town ; and it being 
summer-time, he preached in Jeremiah Hobbs' barn — length 
of time unknown. A minister by the name of Chapman, 
who probably resided in Bethel, used sometimes to pass through 
the town, and preached a few times ; and occasionally a mis- 
sionary made a visit, and ministered to the people. Mr. 
Nathan Merrill, of Gray, a Baptist preacher, sometimes vis- 
ited the settlement, even before its incorporation, and generally 
preached when he came here ; he likewise solemnized several 
of the first marriages in the place. 

A minister by the name of Stoddard, about 1801 or 1802, 
preached for a considerable time, and the people were so well 
satisfied, that they came to the conclusion to settle him ; but 
some things derogatory to his character as a preacher coming 
to light, they finally dismissed him from any further duty — 
as they believed him to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, who 
might devour some of the lambs. Mr. Stoddard I was proba- 
bly ivittij, if not good ; and thinking (rightly too) that Capt. 
Jonathan Cummings exerted considerable influence adverse to 
las settlement in the tOAvn as a minister of the gospel, oil 



72 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

preaching Avhat lie termed his fiirewcll sermon, he paid rather 
a sarcastic compliment to Cummings. He pretended to have 
had a remarkable dream, and obtained the latest news from 
the infernal regions. Beelzebub, the Prince of Devils, had 
hastily summoned a grand council of his co-workers in evil, 
to consult on the furtherance of his nefarious designs. He 
stated to his compeers that he had received intelligence that 
the town of Norway, on this earthly ball, was about to settle 
a minister of the gospel, and that there must be some plan 
contrived to prevent such a terrible obstacle to his own rule 
and reign in poor Norway. After much elaborate discussion, 
his Satanic Majesty ordered his best and fleetest horse to bo 
brought up, while he was making hasty preparations for his- 
journey. In the meantime, some one of his sage counselors 
inquired of him if there was not some person in Norway wlio 
could be furnished witli an agency to do the business for him,. 
and save the journey. He began to deliberate on the subject, 
and suddenly exclaimed, " yes ! there is Jonathan Cum- 
mings ; I had at first forgotten that he was there ; he can do 
the business just as well as I can, so you may put up my 
horse again." And it seems he was not mistaken in his 
agent, for he has done the business just as well as his master 
could, had he come on purpose. 

On the 6th. of October, 1802, the Congregational Church 
was organized, and the following are the "Articles of Faith :" 

1st. — We believe that there is one God, who is the Creator, 
Lord, Governor and Judge, both of angels and men, and the 
Sovereign Lord of providence and grace, and who is eternal, 
self-existent, almighty, Infinite in knowledge, wisdom, love, 
ffoodness and holiness. 

2d. — We believe that in the unity of the Godhead there 
are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ;; 
that these three are equal in power and glory, and that equal 
honour belongs to them. 

3d. — We behove that God made man in liis own image i» 



HISTORY OS' NORAVAt. 73 

moval rectitude ; that man fell by eating tllc forbidden f\-uit, 
involving his whole posterity -with himself in sin and ruin ; 
that all, Avho, by natural generation, are born of flesh, arc 
depraved and children of death ; that no one without being 
born again, can enter into the kingdom of God. 

4th. — We believe that as God reserves fallen angels to the 
Judgment of the great day, so he might justly have left all 
mankind to everlasting death ; but in the riches of his sov- 
ereign love he gave his son to be born and die for them ; 
raised him from the dead for their justification and salvation, 
and by his spirit keeps all, who truly believe, to eternal life 
in heaven. 

5th. — "We believe the scriptures of the old and new testa- 
ment to be the word of God ; and a revelation from him of 
Jus will and man s duty^ and that it is a perfect rule both of 
faith and practice, teaching the true knowledge of God, tlic 
redemption of man by Jesus Christ, the justification of be- 
lievers by his righteousness, and the renovation of the elect 
by his Spirit. 

6tl]..— We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ require* the 
firet day of the week to be sanctified as the Lord's day ; that 
he has appointed his ministers to preach his word and te ad- 
minister christian ordinances, particularly baptism to believers 
and their seed, and the Lord's supper to Christ's family, as 
the memorial of his death, and that he requires secret, family, 
and publick Avorship of God, the singing of his praises, and 
the reading of his Avord, with the keeping of all his moral 
commands. 

7th. — We belicA'c that God does all things by Jesus Christ 
according to his eternal counsels and decrees, and requires 
mankind to do all acts of obedience, and Avorship in Christ's 
name and Avith the assistance of his grace, going ahvays to 
God through Christ, and by the holy spirit. 

8th. — We belicA-e that Christ, Avho is exalted at the )-iglit 
hand of the Father, and governs the world as head over all 



74 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

tilings to the cliurcli, Avill at the last day descend from heaven 
in glory with the holy angels, will raise the dead, and judge 
the "Nvorld in righteousness, condemning the Avicked iaccording 
to their works to eternal death, and giving to the righteous 
eternal life in the kingdom, and blessed presence of God. 

Cov]5naxt. — In presence of the Holy God, and in the be- 
lief of the glorious truths of his word, we avouch the Lord 
Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be our God, and do 
.solemnly covenant with him, and promise, in dependence on 
his grace, to believe, worship, and obey him in all things, at 
all times, according to his word ; making the scriptures the 
supreme rule of our faith and practice ; honouring him in all 
his ordinances ; doing every duty in the name of Christ ; re- 
lying on the grace of his spirit, and walking with his saints 
as joint members of Christ's body, keeping the unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace, hoping in the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and waiting for his coming unto eternal life. Amen. 
The names of those W'ho signed the Covenant : 
Joanna Upton, Amos L^pton, 
Lydia Frost, Jacob Frost, 

Rachael Stone, Joseph Stone, 
Miriam Foster, Nathan Foster, 
Lydia Stone, Timothy Stone, 

Joanna Jones, Cliad Wallader F. Jones, 

Mary Bancroft, John Hor, 
Huldah Case, Enoch JNIerrill, 

Benjamin Flint, 
Jonathan Gurney, 
Norway, October 6, 1802. 
The forestoino; confession of f lith and covenant were assent^ 
cd to, and signed by the subscribers, whose names are above 
written, whom we declare tO be a regular Church of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, denominated the Church of Christ in Norway. 
Done with the approlmtion, and in the presence of us Mis- 
sionaries and Pastors of Churches. 

Enoch Hale, of West Hampton, 
Sktii Payson, of Ringe, 
Jonathan Grant, of Hawley, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 75 

October 6, 1802, The church being formed, chose Timo- 
thy Stone Deacon, Moderator and Clerk. 

Enoch Hale, ) 7,^. . 

T r^ } Missionaries. 

Jonathan Grant, \ 

It appears that the church records were to be kept in the 
house of Amos Upton, who had previous to this time built 
himself a large house for that day, and for many years it was 
used as a place for religious meetings. He was a zealous 
professor, and spent much time in fitting his house with seats 
to accommodate those who attended meeting on the Sabbath. 
On Saturday afternoon he would bring in blocks and planks, 
or boards, and arrange seats in his long kitchen, in prepara- 
tion for meeting the next day. Mr. Joseph Martin was a 
good singer, and understood the rules of church psalmody well 
for that early day. Occasionally a missionary would come 
along, and stop and preach a few Sabbaths with the church 
and people ; and sometimes a minister was hired to preach a 
Sabbath or two, or a month, and once or twice for three months. 

In 1803, June 24, I find there was a town order given to 
Timothy Stone, for money paid by him to Rev. Enoch \Vhi]^>- 
ple, for preaching two Sabbaths, ,^10,00. And the same 
year, an order to Nathan Noble, for money paid by him to 
Rev. Mr. Smith, for preaching one Sabbath, $5,00. In 
1805, there was an order given to Joseph Stevens, for money 
paid Mr. Spaulding, for preaching eight Sabbaths, at $5,50 
per Sabbath, $44,00 ; and another town order was given for 
boarding the said Spaulding, and horse, $16,00. 

Thus it appears that we were not entirely destitute of the 
preached word ; and when there was no minister, the people 
assembled in Mt. Upton's house, and held what used to be 
called a Deacon's met-ting ; there would be a sermon read, 
(the writer has read many in our Sabbath meetings,) and 
prayers offered up by some of the more gifted members of the 
church, and singing, good enough. There were mnny good 
singers of the eld school method of singing, and uncle Jo 



7& HISTORY OF XORWAY. 

Martin (as Ave used to call him) Avould give us the pitch of 
the tune with his pitch-pipe, and we could make first-rate 
church melody of such tunes as Old Hundred, St. Martins, 
Wells, &c. 

In the summer-time, when there was a minister, the meet- 
ings were often, and usually, held in some barn — perhaps in 
Jeremiah Hobbs', or Esquire Eastman's — and the elderly 
people with the ladies generally occupied the lower part of 
the barn, while the boys and younger porti<Mi of the assembly 
ascended to the scaffolds. In such humble places of worship, 
the little swallows would twitter the praises of Almighty God 
over our heads, while an attentive audience would eagerly 
listen to the words of truth which flowed from the mouth of 
the speaker. 

Thus things went along till the early part of the spring of 
1807, when Noah Cresey came to Norway, and was employed 
to preach by the Congregational order. He gave almost uni- 
versal satisfaction to all hearers, especially to those of his 
own denomination : but an attempt to settle him proved abor- 
tive, on account of there being many Universalists, Baptists, 
and some fcAV IMethodists, who were just beginning to appear 
amongst us as a reliijious sect. 

In 1808, ^laj. Jonathan CummingSv though not a professor 
of any particular order of religion, undertook, on his own. 
responsibility, to build a Congregational meeting-house, on 
the same site now occupied for a similar house. The building 
ing was large — forty-eight feet by sixty, and tliirty feet posts. 
It was raised early in July, and nearly finished in that and 
tlie succeeding year. 

The attempt to settle i\Ir. Cresey having failed, only served 
to stimulate the church and society, and they then applied to 
the Legislature for an act of incorporation. They finally 
obtained their request, as will be seen by the following act : 

An Act to incorporate a religious society in the town of 
Norway : 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 77 

Sect. 1. — ^Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives in General Court assembletl, and by the authority 
of the same; That the following persons, viz., Joseph Brad- 
bury, Job Eastman, Joel Stevens, Ca<l W. F. Jones, John 
Hor, Benjamin Fuller, James Flint, Joshua Crockett, Jona- 
than Pottle, Darius Wilkins, Eliphalet Watson, Silas Meriam, 
John Pike, Aaron Wilkins, Amos Hobbs, Amos Town, Increase 
Eobinson, Asa Noyes, Enoch Holt, William Lessley, Ward 
Noyes, John Needham, Stephen Pingree, Jr., Micah Upton, 
• Jonathan Gurney, Joseph Martin, Benjiunin Flint, Robinson 
Hobbs, Enoch Merrill, Joel Frost, Thomas Wood, Jeremiah 
Hobbs, Jeremiah Hobbs, Jr., Daniel Hobl^s, Jeremiah Hobbs, 
3d, Jonas Stevens, Jr., John Case, Daniel Holt, Jacob Rus- 
sell, Frye Lovejoy, Ephraim Twombly, Francis Butcher, 
Dustin Patch, Zephaniah Frost, Philip Abbott, John Ordway, 
Jacob Frost, Daniel Town, Amos Upton, Amos Upton, Jr., 
Jonathan Shed, Jonathan Cummings, Luther Farrar, William 
Hobbs, Benjamin Peabody, Amasa Lessley, Joseph Stevens, 
Jr., Moses Ayer, Elijah Fhnt, Amos Cummings, Jonas Ste- 
vens, Nathan Noble, Ebenezer Watson, Stephen Bartlett, 
Timothy Stone, Nathan Foster, Isaac Lovejoy, Ebenezer 
Bancroft, together wnth then- families and estates with them, 
be and they are hereby incorporated into a Society by the 
name of the Congregational Society in Norway, with all the 
power, privileges and immunities to which other Religious 
Societies are entitled by the Constitution and laws of this 
Commonwealth, 

Sect. 2.— Be it further enacted that any Justice of the 
Peace in the County of 0-xford is hereby authorized and em- 
powered to issue lus warrant directed to some suitable inhab- 
itant of said town of NorAvay requiring him to notify and 
warn the members of said Congregational Society to meet at 
;Such convenient time and place, as shall be expressed in said 
Warrant for the purpose of choosing such officers as Parishes, 



78 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

are by law empowered to choose at their annual meetmgs in 
the months of ]\Iarch or April. 

In the House of Representatives Feb. 25, 1809. This 
Bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted, 

Timothy Bigelow, Speaker. 

In Senate Feb. 28, 1809. This Bill having had two sev- 
eral readings passed to be enacted. 

H. G. Otis, President. 

Approved March 1, 1809. Levi Lincoln. 

Secretary's Office, March 7, 1809. 
True Copy. Attest Wm. Tudor, 

Sec. of Com7nonvcalth. 

The first annual meeting of the society under their act of 
incorporation, was called on the tenth day of April, 1809, 
and measures were taken to give Mr. Cresey a call to become 
their pastor and teacher, and to be ordained over the church 
and society at some suitable time. In accordance with this 
resolution, the following Committee was chosen to carry this 
matter into effect : Job Eastman, Nathan Noble, Joseph Ste- 
vens, and John Hor. They forthwith addressed to him the 
following Call : 

To Mr. Noah Cresey, Candidate for the Gospel Ministry. 
Dear Sir : — The church and people of the Congregational 
Society in the town of Norway, being united in their desires, 
to have you continue with them to preach and administer to 
them the ordinances of the Gospel, and as a manifestation of 
their attachment to you as their teacher and instructor in di- 
vine truth, their approbation of your Avalk and conversation, 
their thanks for your love and labour with them in the Gospel 
hitherto — Have at a legal meeting held on the tenth day of 
April Inst, by said society, unanimously voted to renew their 
invitation for you to settle, and be ordained as Pastor and 
Minister over said church and society. And for your encour- 
agement to settle and labour with them in the Gospel, do 
agree and engage to pay you two hundred and sixty-six doI-> 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 79 

lars and sixty-seven cents as your salary for the first year ; 
and add sixteen dollars and sixty-seven cents yearly, until 
the sum amounts to three hundred and thirty-three dollars 
and thirty-four cents to be your stated salary, so long as you 
shall labour with the church and society in preaching the 
Gospel, and administering the ordinances thereof to their sat- 
isfaction as a teacher, and you be satisfied in them as a people 
under your care and charge. And for your further encour- 
agement, do agree to pay you three hundred dollars as a 
settlement, to be paid in labour and materials for erecting 
buildings for yourself in said town of Norway as you may 
want. And may God direct you in the path of duty, and 
grant you all needed aid and assistance whereby you may be 
enabled to came unto the church under your care and charge 
from time to time in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel 



Committee 

of the 

Congregational 

Society. 



of peace. Job Eastman, 

Nathan Noble, 
Joseph Stevens, 
John Hor, 

Norway, April 13, 1809. 

A true record. JOB EASTMAN, Clerk. 

After taking a short time for consideration of the subject, 
Mr. Cresey returned the following answer to the aforesaid 
Call: 

To the Congregational church and society in Norway : — 
Brethren and Friends, as you have renewed your invita- 
tion expressing as you have formerly done, a desire to have 
me become your Pastor and teacher, I now proceed to com- 
municate my answer to the same. 

The Gospel is at once the most glorious and important 
object, which ever engaged the attention of man. It origi- 
nated in the love and compassion of God : and is now in 
operation in the world for the merciful purpose of destroying 
sin, of reclaiming fallen men, and guiding them to Heaven 
and eternal happiness. From the instruction of this Gospel, 



80 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

■which has been ordered to be preached in the world, results 
that important relation, which subsists between a minister and 
people. In forming a connexion of this nature, serious great 
and interesting consequences approach in view. Though this 
connexion may dissolve, yet the consequences resulting froin 
it remain eternal. A l^Iinister should not choose to take the 
iCharge, and moral instruction of a people for any other pur^ 
pose than to advance the Glory of God, and to seek the 
salvation and happiness of immortal souls. And a people in 
settling a Gospel minister should be actuated by the sincere 
and laudable motives of gaining spiritual knowledge, and pro- 
moting their future peace and welfare, 

You have invited me to an important situation, to take upon 
me a solema charge, to engage in a worl^, in which the Glory 
of God, the prosperity of Zion, and your own salvation are 
deeply concerned. IJere my thoughts extend beyond the 
grave and bring into view the interesting realities of eternity. 
I shrink from the sacred and solemn task. This is a great 
resolution to form, it is a weighty trust to devolve on a mortal. 
After much serious consideration upon your situation, and the 
sincere attachment, which you have manifested to me, in an- 
swer to your invitation as an incorporated society I cordially 
consent to become your Pastor and teacher ; praying that the 
Lord would make me a faithful embas^adour of Jesus Christ ; 
that he would grant his blessing to our expected union, and 
make it a means of promoting his glory and our eternal 
salvation. Noah Cresey. 

A true record. Attest JOB EASTMAN, Clerk. 

In the meantime, Maj. Cummings was pushing the building 
of the meeting-house along rapidly. The time fixed for Mr. 
Crescy's ordination was the twentieth day of Sept., 1809. 
The affairs of the chiu'ch and society were going along very 
prosperously, and bofct minister and people indulged pleasing 
anticipations in regard to their future prospects. 

It will be recollectQ^ ihat the society was to give !Mr. Cresey 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 81 

^300 as a settlement, to be paid in materials and labor towards 
erecting buildings ; and in the summer of 1809 he erected a 
house on the hill above the meeting-house. It was raised in 
August. 

In old times, in this town, it was a custom at the raising 
of buildings, when the frame was completely up, to have what 
was called a name for the frame, which was always either a 
poetic couplet, or several verses, according to the taste or 
inclination of the person giving the name. The ceremony 
of naming a frame was as follows : The hands on the frame 
paraded cither on the ridge-pole, or front plate, and the two 
persons who Avere to be the speakers were stationed, one at 
each end ; a bottle of good lic[uor was sent up by the OAvner, 
. and after it had passed from one end of the frame to the 
other, one of the speakers sung out, "Here's a fine frame, 
that deserves a good name, and what shall we call it? " The 
other speaker then gave the name, and v,hen through, the 
first cried out, "Will that do?" Those on the ground 
answered, " yes ! " The hands on the frame then gave 
three rousing cheers, which were responded to by three more 
from those on the ground ; then one closing cheer from the 
frame, and the bottle of liquor was thrown from the frame by 
the person who gave the name. The circumstance of raising 
a house for a favorite minister called forth the following poetic 
eifusion for a name from one of the boys — D. Noyes. 

It 's customary in this town 

Our buildings for to name — 
I '11 thank you all who are standing round 

To listen to the same. 

And since the task I undertake, 

A name for to compose, 
Don't censure me if I mistake, 

And do myself expose. 

According to the owner's will 
We 've raised this stately frame ; 

6 



82 HISTORY OF NOKWAT. 

May love and friendship ever fill, 
And peace adorn the same. 

Long life and health may he enjoy, 
And sweet contentment find ; 

And in God's work find full employ 
To exercise his mind. 

As the good shepherd guards his sheep, 
In danger them protects, 

So may this man his followers keep, 
Through life their steps direct. 

The sacred desk long may he fill,. 

With honor and applause , 
May he be fired with Heav'nly zeal 

To aid Religion's cause. 

A pattern of true piety 
I hope this man will stand ; 

And instrumental may he be 
In saving fallen man. 

In days of old, the Isiaelites 
Were through the wilderness 

Led by a cloud, and fire by night„ 
Safe to the land of rest. 

A fire by night, and cloud by day. 
Instead of, may he stand, 

To guide mankind in the right way 
Safe to the Heav'nly land. 

May good success his works attend,, 
And wisdom him direct. 

The way of tru.th may he defend,. 
And error's wa.ys reject. 

And may the aged quickly break 
OtT fiom their vicious ways, 

The young their vanity forsake 
Now in their youthful days. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 83 

And if he with some maiden fair 

In wedlock's bonds shall join, 
May joy attend the happy pair — 

May they much comfort find. 

In peace and plenty may they live 

While they on earth shall dwell ; 
In virtuous actions may they strive 

Each other to excel. 

pasy and calmly may they sail 

O'er life's tempestuous sea, 
And wafted by each gentle gale 

In peace and harmony. 

Through life may he act well his part, 

With honor quit the stage, 
Possessed of a virtuous heart, 

And crowned with good old age. 

And since this stately frame we 've raised, 

We '11 gay and cheerful be ; 
With civil mirth we '11 end the day 

In peace and harmony. 

The good West-India round this frame 

In plenty shall appear, 
With cheerful hearts we '11 drink the same, 

Our spirits for to cheer. 

I hope in peace we all shall part 

When we have spent the day : 
Here 's health to ^11 with all my hearts 

So I no more will say. 

So much for raising. Now for ordination. 

At a legal meeting of the Congregational society, holden on 
Wednesday, Aug. 30th, voted to choose a Committee to agree 
with some person to entertain the Council apjjointed to ordain 
' Mr. Noah Crcsey to the Pastoral care of the Congregational 
church and people of Norway. Chose Messrs. Joseph Ste- 
vens, Nathan Noble, and Amos Ilobbs. 



84 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

A'^oted that Mr. Benjamin Eastman be President of the 
singing on the ordination day, and that Joseph Martin, Amos 
Cummings, and William Hobbs be a Committee to assist and 
advise -with the President for the good regulation of singing 
on said day. " Voted that the foregoing Committee advise with 
Mr. Cresej and agree upon such measures as shall be thought 
proper, and requisite with respect to waiting upon the Council 
to the Meeting-house &c. Also voted that Mr. Ephraim 
'rwombly be Marshal of the day, and Jeremiah Hobbs 3d and 
Ebenezer Watson be assistant Marshals to prevent disorderly 
conduct at the Meeting-house by thronging the doors, crowd- 
ing, or any indecent or irregular behaviour. 

A true record. Attest JOB EASTMAN, Clerk. 

Thus the reader can plainly perceive that the ordination 
was viewed as a great and important affair. And truly it 
Avas at that day. It was a day of solemn, serious considera- 
tion to the religious portion of the community, and a day of 
hilarity to the younger portion. 

The long-anticipated day arrived ; the large meeting-house 
was filled to overflowing ; the services were solemn and de- 
vout ; the singing first-rate ; the conduct of the crowded 
audience was very orderly and still ; and finally, everything 
went off in grand style, and every face beamed with the 
expression of delight. 

After the religious services of the day were over, many of 
the young people repaired to the new hall of Mr. William 
Hobbs, a few rods from the meeting-house, and "tripped the 
light, fantastic toe" to the music of Thomas Wood's fiddle — 
Avho, by the way, was a first-rate violin-player, both for sacred 
and convivial music. 

The society then numbered about seventy, and additions 
continued to be made for several years following ; although 
there was once in a while a loss by withdrawal or by death. 

On the 23d day of October, 1809, the committee appointed 
hy said society for the purpose of regulating singing on days 



niSTOKY OF NORWAY. 85 

of divine vrorsliip, made clioice of Benjamin Eastman, firsst 
chorister, Joseph Martin, second, Thomas Wood, third, and 
Amos Cummings, fourth. 

From 1809 to 1813, and after, the affairs of the society 
moved along in a broad and smooth channel, with scarce an 
o))stacle to cause the smallest ripple. It was in the zenith of 
its glory, and it is a pity it could not have sustained its ele- 
vated position ; bnt the love of some began to wax cold, and 
things did not seem so flattering as at first. Nov. 1, 1819, 
agreeable to an adjournment, the society met, and heard the 
report of the committee chosen to consult the Rev. Noah 
Cresey with respect to his preaching for the future — a part 
of the time with the society in Norway, and the other part in 
Paris, as should be agreed upon by the two societies ; the 
report was as follows : That the Rev. Noah Cresey did not 
see cause to give a direct answer. They then tried the vote 
to see if the society Avould raise money to pay the Rev. Noah 
Cresey's salary the ensuing year, which vote was in the neg- 
ative. The society then voted that their former committee, 
viz., Joseph Bradbury, Jonathan Cummings, and Deacon 
John Hor, should inform Mr. Cresey the result of said 
meeting. — Extract from the record. 

It fully appears by the records that no serious cause for 
any misunderstanding existed between Mr. Cresey and tlic 
church and society ; but as the society, from various causes, 
had greatly diminished, the remaining members thought the 
l)arden rather heavy, and possibly some few were willing to 
have a change. 

Soon after the oi'dination of ]\Ir. Cresey, as early as May 
18, 1810, the church chose John Hor a deacon, in conjunc- 
tion Avith Timothy Stone, who Avas chosen at the organization 
of the church. On the 20th of May, the following additions 
were made to the church, viz., Daniel Watson, and Polly, his 
wife, Abiathar Eastman, and Susan, his Avife, Polly AVatson, 
wife of Ebenczer Watson, and Sophia Cresey, Avife of Noah 



86 HtSTORY 0^ NORWAY. 

Orescy. May 19, 1811, the following Avcre added: Luthcf 
Farrar, and Mercy A. Farrar, his ■wife, Tabathy Bradbury, 
Avife of Joseph ]3radbury, Betsey Flint, -wife of James Flint, 
and Joel Frost. Job Eastman, and Sarah, his wife, were at 
the same time received into full fellowship, on a letter of 
i-ecommendation from the church in Fryeburg. TAventy-one 
members were added to the church, from the settlement of 
Mr. Cresey, up to May 24, 1816 ; and at that date, Jona- 
than Gurney and Benjamin Herring, Jr., were chosen deacons 
in the church. Sixteen members more were added 'previous 
to Dec. 7, 1819, on which day, according to a previous ar- 
rangement made between Mr. Cresey and the church and 
.society, an ecclesiastical council met at the house of Mr. Cre- 
sey, for the purpose of sundering the relation between him 
and the church and society over which he had long been 
settled. 

On the 29th of Nov., the church and society chose Joseph 
Bradbury, Jonathan Cummings, and Deacon John Hor. a 
conmiittee to appear before the council, which Avas to convene 
on the Tth of December. The Council met as arranged, and 
Avas composed of the folloAving members : From Bridgton. 
Eev. Nathaniel Church, Brother Ezra Gould, delegate; Wa- 
terford, Rev. Lincoln Eipley, Deacon Ephraim Chamberlain, 
delegate : Bethel, Rev. Henry ScAval. Deacon Samuel Barkerj 
delegate ; Otisfield, Rev. I. G. Merrill, Deacon Elias Han- 
cock, delegate. Council chose Rev. Nathaniel Church, 
Jiloderator, and Rev. I. G. Merrill, Scribe; and after due 
deliberation and hearing a full statement of both sides of the 
([uestion, closed a long report as folloAvs : 

"Happy in finding nothing alleged against the character 
of the Rev. Noah Cresey, as a reason for his dismission, and 
as Ave knoAV nothing of the kind ourselves. We cordially 
recommend him to the Christian charity and felloAA'ship of 
God's people AvlicrcA'cr in Divine Providence he may be called. 
We noAV humbly, and A^'ith fervency commend our Revi 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 87 

Brother, ami tliis churcli and societj to God, and to the -word 
of his grace, which is able to buikl you up and to give you 
an inheritance among all them that are sanctified." 

A^oted unanimously to accept this report. 
Signed in behalf of the Council, 

Nathaniel Church, Moderator. 
Isaiah G. Merrill, JScribe. 

Thus we see very strong, if not the strongest, religious 
ties sundered without the imputation of a single fault ; so avc 
must conclude that the occurrence happened from no other 
cause than that the " love of many waxed cold." And ivhile 
rrriting; the message which St. John was commanded to write 
to the church of Ephesus bears so strongly upon my mind 
that I must quote the latter part of it: "Nevertheless, I 
have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first 
love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and 
repent, and do the first work ; or else I will come unto thee 
quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, 
except thou repent." 

I have thus touched on the most important events up to 
the time of Mr. Cresey's dismissal ; but I must, in justice to 
him, and my own feelings, say a few words about him in an- 
other sphere, than as a preacher. Previous to his coming into 
the town, our schools, and all educational affairs, were at a 
low ebb. Our school teachers were picked up wherever they 
could be found, and many of them were very limited in their 
literary acquirements. The first settlers hud found hard work 
to 2et along with their families, and erect comfortable build- 
ings, and in most cases were unable to incur much expense in 
educating their childrefi ; although they felt anxious to do all 
in their power, still there seemed to be something wanting to 
produce the desired effect. But Islr. Cresey seemed to be 
instrumental, under Providence, in greatly improving our 
affairs in regard to education. He went into our toAvn schools 
us 'a teacher, winter after winter ; he taught five days and a 



88 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

lialf in a week, and -wrote Lis two sermons in the evenings, 
and on Saturday afternoon. As soon as he got into his house, 
lie took many schohxrs there, and instructed them in all the 
diiferent branches of education usually taught in our first 
academies, and particularly such branches as were necessary 
to fit them for teachers. In fact, he seemed to infuse a real 
thirst after knoAvledge into the minds of all who were within 
reach of the influence of his exertions. It was but a few 
years after he came amongst us before Ave had good teachers 
of our own to instruct all our own schools, and as many more 
to send into the neighboring towns. He thus gave a strong 
and lasting impulse to education, the effects of which were 
felt for many years, and, in some degi-ee, to the present day. 
Our school laws were not very definite at that day, but not- 
withstanding, he visited all our schools with a fiitherly care, 
and his influence v,'as as great and as useful as though the 
town had paid him fifteen or twenty dollars per year. The 
writer received much of his education under the instruction 
of Mr. Cresey, and will ever retain a lively sense of his 
kindness, and of his assiduity in imparting instruction in every 
desired branch of study. The following persons studied more 
or less under his tuition — about the same time and subse- 
quently : Dr. John Grover, Bethel, Rev. Asa Cummings, 
Portland, Jacob French, deceased, Rev. Josiah Haugton, 
Hon. T. J. Carter, Levi Stowell, Esq., Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, 
Samuel Cobb, Esq., Samuel Hilbourn, and S. B. Ililbourn, 
of Minot, and many others belonging to Norway, and from 
other towns. 

Immediately after the dismissal of Mr. Cresey, the church 
and society began to concert measures to supply pi-eaching. 
August 4, 1820. I find Robert Page, Jr., (a candidate for 
settlement in the ministry,) was chosen as ISIoderator, in a 
church-meeting ; he continued to preach with them a few 
months — the time not exactly known. 

August 10, 1821, I find, at a regular meeting of the Con- 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 81) 

gregational Cliurcli, the Rev. Joseph Walker was chosen 
Moderator. Tliis shows about the time Mr. Walker beiran 
his ministerial labors in Norway; and it appears on the 10th 
of Nov., 1821, the church and society voted to give him a 
call to settle with them, in connection with the Congregational 
Society in Paris, and to preach one-half of the time, alter- 
nately, in each place. The call was formally given on the 
12th of Nov., and an answer in the affirmative returned Nov. 
27th. But the records do not say when the ordination took 
place, nor where. 

The members of the society at this time numbered about 
seventy ; and the number admitted into the church from tl^c 
dismissal of Mr. Cresey up to the close of Mr. Walker's 
labors, appears to be sixteen ; and it seems that his laboi-s 
closed about the beginning of the year 1826, as I find that 
on July 6, 1826, " at a regular meeting of the church, voted 
that XL A. I\Ierrill be requested to take the records, and act 
as Scribe of the church." 

" Sept. 6, 1826. After preparatory lecture, 13 active 
members present. Voted, unanimously, to adopt as their 
Creed and Covenant, the printed copy adopted by many of 
the Congregational Churches in this County. 

Attest II. A. Merrill. ■'■ 

I find in the Society records of Sept. 19, 1826— •'■ Met 
agreeable to ad'ournment. Voted, 1st, to give the Kev. 
Henry A. Merrill an invitation to settle over the Congrega- 
tional Church and Society in Norway for five years from the 
second of April last past.'" 

Chose, by the church, Joseph Bradbury. Deacon Benjan^.in 
Herring, and Joel Frost, a committee to extend a Call to Mr. 
Merrill to settle. 

It appears the said committee performed the duty devolving 
on them, and received an answer in the affirmative : and the 
same Committee were appointed to wait on the Council to bo 
convened at the dwelling-liouse of AVilliam Ilobbs, on Tuesday 



00 HfSTORY OF NORWAY* 

the first day of November, for the instalhition of the Rev. 
Henry A. Merrill over the Congregational church and society 
in Norway. 

I find no definite record of the time when Mr. Merrill 
closed his ministerial labors, but it -was, probably, about the 
end of the year 1834. Near the commencement of Mr. Mer- 
rill's ministration, or soon after, there seemed to be a great 
awakeniiig, and nineteen (all females but three) Avere added 
to the church ; and during the remainder of his labors, up- 
wards of thirty more — some of them by recommendation, but 
mostly by profession. Some severe cases of discipline oc- 
curred, as is almost always the case in all churches and 
families-. On the 15th of Nov., 1834, I find a committee 
■vvas chosen to settle with Mr. Merrill, and confer with him in 
calling a council for his dismission. 

The next thing, above common-place affairs, is a "meeting 
of the Church at the dwelling-house of \V illiam Ilobbs, Sept. 
15, 183G. Voted to raise a standing Committee to examine 
Candidates for admission into the Church. Chose Rev. 
Charles Soule, Dea. John Hor, Dea. Benj. Herring, and 
Joel Fixsst." 

Thus it appears that Rev. Charles Soule had commenced 
his labors as a preacher previous to this time ; and was in- 
stalled June 7th, 1837, under a contract for five years. The 
records are rather meagre during this time, but from pereonal 
knowledge, I am convinced that affairs moved along about in 
their ordinary channel ; nothing very remarkable occurring 
cither in the church or society, excepting the taking down of 
tlie old meeting-hxjuse, built by Maj. Jonathan Cummings, in 
1808-€9, and building a new house on the same site. The 
new house is much smaller than was the old one, and is very 
liandsomcly finished ; it would accommodate the society as 
well as any other house, if they chose to be so accommodated. 

At a legal meeting of the Congregational society, held on 
the 2d day of July, 1845, they proceeded as follows : 



histokV op xorwa\\ 91 

1st, Chose Dudley Wootlbridjie, ModcratOi*. 

2d. Chose Simon Stevens, Clerk, James Flint, Jacob 
Bradlnirj, and Amos T. Holt, Assessors, and Simon Noble, 
Treasurer. 

3d, Voted tliat the arrearage of interest on the ministerial 
fund up to INIay, or June, last, be paid to Ecv. INIr. Soule. 
Voted that the assessors get up a subscription to hire the 
Rev. Charles Packard to preach six Aveeks, alternately, at 
the Congregational meeting-house at the center of the town, 
and in the Village. Voted that the Clerk Avrite in behalf of 
the Society to the Rev. Mr. Packard, when the money shall 
have been raised to pay him. 

At this meeting it a;[3pears that twenty members were add- 
ed to the society. 

On the ITth of Feb., 1846, I find it "voted that the 
Congregational Church and Society in Norway give the Rev. 
Charles Packard a call to become their Pastor for the term 
of five yei\rs." 

It appears by a subsequent record, undel- date of April 7, 
1846, that the committee extended an invitation to Mr. Pack- 
ard to settle over the church and society for five years, and 
received an answer ift the affirmative ; the first "Wednesday in 
May, following, Avas fixed on as the day of ordination. 

Mr. Packard continu(?d to labor with the church and society 
till the spring of 1850, and Avas succeeded by the Rev. H. 
W. Strong, who is the present pastor and teacher. During 
Mr. Packard's ministry, fourteen members 'were added to the 
cluirch, and four more ?ihce Mr. Strong connnenccd preaching 
in the place. The Avhole number of members of the church, 
of both sexes, at this time, is one hundred and five. 

The much-lamented Luther Farrar, Esq., previous to his 
death in 1812, bequeathed $20 to the Congregational church, 
for the express purpose df purchasing suitable vessels for 
their Communion Service ; which sum was promjitly paid 
over, and appropriated for the purpose intended by the donor. 



92 HISTORY OF NOmVAY. 

It appears that a Sabbath Scbool Society, in the Congre- 
gational church, was organized May 11, 1822, and continued 
in operation, during the summer season, until the 12th of 
May, 1832, when it underwent a new organization, and be- 
came an auxiliary to the Sabbath School Union. A Tract 
Society was also organized Nov. 29th, 1827, for the gratuitous 
distribution of religious tracts among the families of the town. 

There is a small ' • ministerial fund ' ' belonging to the Con- 
gregational society, which accrued from the sale of land 
granted for that purpose by the State, Avhen a part of jNIassa- 
chusetts. It produces only |ill per annum at this time. 



BAPTIST DENOMINATION. 

The Baptist clmrch and society claim the next notice in 
point of time ; and though their number is not so large as 
those already noticed, yet in this town they have always 
maintained a very steady and consistent course. Not being 
in possession of the records of the society, I shall avail my- 
self of the Minutes of the Oxford Baptist Association, so fir 
as relates to the Baptist church in Norway ; they Avere fur- 
nished me by Elder Reuben Milner. 

'■ A small church was constituted, consisting of ten mem- 
bers, in 180G. The original members were dismissed from 
the church in Paris in order to form a church in Norway. 
For several years Baptist Ministers visited the place with 
little success, as this was one of the strong-holds of errour, 
and the pure gospel was disregarded by a majority of the 
people ; yet the gospel has proved the power of God to the 
salvation of many souls. 

Pastors. — The first pastor was John Wagg, who was 
ordained October, 180G, and officiated until 1809, Avith small 
success. Elder John Haynes Avas chosen Pastor in 1827, 
and resigned in 183(3. During this period a consideralilc 
number were ad(led to tlie Church. Eeuben Milner Avas 
received as Pastor tlie same year, and continued till Marcii, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 93 

1845, vrlicn Joseph B. Mitcliell, a licentiate from Boston, 
preached for the church one year, and then was dismissed. 
Since that time R. jNIihier has supplied the church most of 
the time till the present. 

Places of worship. — Previous to 1829 the church had 
no regular place of worship. They now began to feel that it 
■was time to open a public sanctuary. Towards accomplishing 
this object Mr. John Rust (a son of the old proprietor of 
Rustfield) a worthy member of the church, made the first 
sacrifice by the gift of a lot of land, on which to build a 
meeting-house. The church encouraged by this act of pious 
interest, purchased the meeting-house owned by the Univer- 
salists, and moved it to the spot given by Brother Rust, and 
it now remains their place of worship. 

Officers of the church — Clerks. — The first was Rufus 
Bartlett, avIio continued to serve the church till increasing 
infirmities disabled him from further service, and Brother 
Asa Thayer was chosen in his place. Deacons. — Brother 
"William Parsons was the first Deacon, and fulfilled his office 
to the satisfaction of the church ; he was succeeded by Martin 
Stetson, their present Deacon. 

Revivals. — In June, 1840, we had a powerful revival of 
religion in the town. Eight Avere baptized and added to the 
church. Since that time we have had no additions, and the 
greater number of our aged members are dead, so the church 
at present is very small ; yet the church still hopes and prays, 
' Lord revive thy work.' " 

In behalf of the church, Reuben Milxer. 

The present number of members in the church is thirty- 
eight ; and there probably are more who consider themselves 
as belonging to that society, and render pecuniary assistance 
in supporting their preachers. 

The writer was personally acquainted with John Wagg. their 
first settled minister, and has heard him preach many times, 
both in houses and barns. Ho told the writer that in his 



94 HISTOnY OF NORWAY. 

younger days he was very illiterate, and awfully profane : and 
that Avhen lie was married he could not read, or write a word. 
But about that time his heart being touched with a lively 
sense of his wickedness, and believing that a gracious God 
liad given him a ncAV heart, and blotted out his sins from the 
book of remembrance, he felt a strong desire to read the word 
of God, in which he believed was contained the words of eter- 
nal life ; and by turning his attention to reading, by the help 
of his wife, he soon became quite a proficient in reading the 
Bible and hymn-book. In process of time he devoted him- 
self to the ministry ; and among other places which he visited 
was NorAvay. Preaching of any kind, at that time, was rather 
a scarce article, and his meetings were well attended, not by 
the Baptist order only, but by very many of other denomina- 
tions, as well as by those professing no particular creed. As 
a preacher, his voice and manner were grave and solemn, and 
his deportment and discourses seemed to produce a religious 
impression on his audience ; and had he possessed such liter- 
ary attainments as many ministers of the present day, the 
preachers would have been scarce who could so firmly rivet 
the attention of an assembly as he. Under his ministration, 
quite a number of members were added to the church ; but, 
alas ! very many of the old members now sleep in the' silent 
grave. Towards the latter part of his ministry, there seemed 
to be a certain indefinable something that caused a coldness 
between him and the church, which resulted in his dismission. 



METHODIST DENOMINATION. 

I now proceed to say something about the religious denom- 
ination called Methodists. But my heart and courage almost 
fail me, lest I should not be able to do them justice, as I 
have not a scrap of any record to refer to ; but should I fail, 
they will have this consolation, that ' ' the Lord seeth not as 
man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but 
God looketh on the heart."' 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 95 

About the first preacher of this order, in the town, was a 
Mr. Parker, Avho preached occasionally in the Village, and ia 
some other parts of the town, about 1812-13 : and sometimes 
other ministers came along and preached, without having any 
stated times or places for their labors. Thus things pro- 
gressed for several years. Benjamin Stevens, the oldest son 
of Jonas Stevens, (one of the first settlers in Rustfield) used 
sometimes to come from Otisfield, where he then lived, and 
preach and exhort among the brethren of this order. As 
early as 1815, and for some time after, Edward Whittle and 
William Yates, of GreenAvood, often, afterwards, known as 
jFather Whittle, and Father Yates, used to come and preach 
and exhort among the brethren ; and many converts to their 
faith were made under their humble teachings. In a few 
years, such a field was opened that the Methodist Conference 
appointed regular circuit preachers to preach at stated times 
and places in Norway, Avhich helped to make up a regular 
circuit, in which they Avere to confine their ministerial labors. 
The religious affairs of this denomination went along in suck 
manner for many years, but gathering strength and numbers 
yearly. 

The writer can well remember the by-gone days, when the 
few preachers and exhorters who occasionally came amongst 
us were looked upon Avith coldness, if not Avith disrespect, by 
some other denominations of professed Christians ; but it seems 
that, like the children of Israel Avhen in the land of Egypt, 
the more they Avere oppressed, the more they multiplied ; and 
they soon became so numerous as to have their regular preach- 
ers, Avho Avere located in a circuit embracing one or more 
towns, according to the numbers of their order ; and it seems 
that it is a regulation of their order to appoint, at their 
yearly conference, each circuit preacher to his particular field 
of labor, where they often remain two years, if the preacher 
and people desire such contiuuanjce. 



96 HISTORY or Norway. 

Previous to 1837, the Methodists had no house, other than 
school-houses or dAvelling-houses, in which to hokl their meet- 
ings; and sometimes, in warm -weather, in some barn, or 
grove. But many were the anxious desires to have a meeting- 
house (like other denominations) in which they could meet 
for the pubhc worship of God. Pride, convenience, and 
jiiety, are all powerful stimulants to action, especially if the 
object to be obtained be a laudable one ; and surely no one 
can doubt the laudableness of their exertions to provide a 
house for public worship. Accordingly, in 1837, they erected 
an elegant and convenient house of worship about midway be- 
tween the Village proper, and the Steep Falls. The next 
year, the Methodists in the upper part of Korway, and some 
in the southwesterly part of Greenwood, erected another house 
of worship about three-fourths of a mile west of Swift's Cor- 
ner, where they have preaching nearly all the time, that is, 
on the Sabbath. They have likewise built a small, snug 
house and barn near Noble's Corner, for the accommodation 
of their minister, who is appointed for that circuit, from time 
to time, by the officers of their yearly conference. The 
meeting-house in the upper part of the town was dedicated 
June 19, 1839. In consequence of a Methodist meeting- 
house being built at South Paris, they do not have constant 
preaching in their house in the Village, as their number is 
small there in comparison with the upper part of the town. 
According to the best information obtained on the subject, 
the Class in the Village and vicinity numbers about thirty or 
forty, and in the upper part of the town probably between 
seventy-five and one hundred. Thus we see that from a 
small beginning they have grown to a large and respectable 
religious church and society, in point of numbers and Chris- 
tian Graces ; and may both preachers and hearers always 
remember, "that Paul may plant, and Apollos may water, 
but God giveth the increase." 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 9T 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

As I have now disposed of the religious affairs of the town, 
(which has been a serious matter with me, so far as ^-riting 
is concerned, and ought to be with all in practice,) I shall 
now devote a small space to the military history; — as the 
science of arms was considered of great importance by our 
forefiithers, and by many who are now upon the stage of 
action. And it is all right that it should have been so con- 
sidered; for, under the the guidance of Divine Providence, 
it was the powei'ful instrument which achieved our Indepen- 
dence, and gave us a rank among the nations of the civilized 
world. Without it, our glorious Declai-ation of Independence 
must have fallen ingloriously to the ground, and would have 
become a by-word and a reproach to us as a people ; and long 
before this it would have been among the things which are 
forgotten. 

Early in the winter of 1807, William Reed, who w<as the 
first Ensign chosen in the company at its organization, ob- 
tained his discharge, and at the May inspection, Amos Town 
was chosen to supply his place. After the lamented death of 
Capt. Anthony Bennett, in the spring of 1808 Ward Noyes 
was chosen Captain, Amos Town, Lieutenant, and Ephraini 
Twombly, Ensign. The company of militia ;it that time 
numbered about 120 in all ; for sick soldiers Avere scarce then, 
and a regimental surgeon hardly had to black a piece of 
paper by giving a certificate for inability to perform militaj-y 
duty. Beside the militia company, there was a company of 
cavalry raised in the regiment, and the town of Norway fur- 
uivshed several privates and non-commissioned officers in that 
company, and one commissioned officer, viz.. Lieut. Nathaniel 
Bennett, a twin brother to Capt. Anthony Bennett. In the 
winter of 1808-9, Capt. Ward Noyes, -with the consent and 
approbation of his company, petitioned the General Court and 
Oovexnor of Massachusetts, to have the company divided, ajid 
Y 



98 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

form a new company. He obtained tlie prayer of said peti- 
tion, as appears by General Orders, Head Quarters, Boston, 
March 27, 1809. This division left the companies about 
equal in numbers, but the south company was without officers, 
all the commissioned officers Hilling within the north company. 
June 27, 1809, the south company met according to regi- 
mental orders, and made choice of Bailey Bodwell, Captain, 
William Twombly, Lieutenant, and Daniel Holt, Ensign. In 
the winter of 1809-1 0, Capt. Ward Noyes resigned his com- 
mission, and obtained his discharge. On the 7th of IMay, 
1811, Lieutenant Amos Town was elected Captain, and En- 
sign Ephraim Twombly, Lieutenant ; on the 23d of August, 
William Parsons, Jr., was elected Ensign. 

Pursuant to order from the Commander-in-chief of the 
militia of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Captains 
Amos Town, of the north company, and Bailey Bodwell, of 
the south company, made drafts from their respective compa- 
nies as follows : From Capt. Town's company, privates — 
Benjamin French, John Ilobbs, Josiah Hill, Jr., Cad F. 
Jones, Enoch ]\Icrrill, Jr., Benjamin Peabody. From Capt. 
Bodwelhs company — Jared Buck, drummer, Moses Houghton, 
Daniel Noble, Enoch Knight, Jeremiah Farmer, Nathan C03", 
William Corson, Samuel Jordan. This detachment, however, 
was not called for, but were ordered to hold themselves in 
readiness to march at the shortest warning. On the 18th of 
June, 1812, Congress declared war against Great Britain, 
and this declaration caused the minute-men to burnish up 
their arms, and put their shooting apparatus in the best order 
possible. 

In tlie fiill of 1812, Capt. Bailey Bodwell undertook to 
raise a company of volunteers to serve one year in the war ; 
and late in the season obtained a full company from this and 
neighboring toAvns. After completing the complement of 
men, they chose Bailey Bodwell for tlieir Captain, William 
Twombly, Lieutenant, and William Heed, Jr., and Gustavus 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. OV) 

A. Goss, of Paris, second and third Lieutenants ; they finally 
marched to Burlington early in the winter. Bodwell, ou 
account of some improper conduct, left the army and returned 
home, some time in the summer of 1813 ; but the company 
generally served out their year, and then mostly returned 
home. Seth Pike, a son of Dudley Pike, died in this cam- 
paign, as also did Jacob Tubbs, Jr., a son of Jacob Tubbs. 
Joseph Dale came home sick, and never recovered ; he died 
in a few months, leaving a family of nine children to the care 
of his Avidow, with little or nothing for their support. 

It appears by the record that Lieut. William Twombly ob- 
tained his discharge in the summer of 1813 ; and on the lltli 
of September, William Parsons, Jr., was promoted to Lieu- 
tenant, and Cad F. Jones was elected Ensign. The company 
then had 70 privates, exclusive of commissioned officers and 
Sergeants ; and the south company numbered nearly as many 
more, altogether making quite a formidable military force. 

Sometime in the summer of 1816, Capt. Amos Town Avas 
promoted to the rank of Major, and subsequently to Colonel 
of the regiment ; and as a natural consequence, by regimental 
order, the company met and elected Lieut. William Parsons, 
Jr., for Captain, Ensign Cad F. Jones, for Lieutenant, and 
John Whitr^arsh, Ensign. 

On the 10th of Oct., 1815, a Court Martial convened at 
Paris, for the trial of Capt. Bailey Bodwell, on several 
charges exhibited against him by Enoch Knight, and fourteen 
others. After hearing all the testimony and arguments, j)ro 
and con, the Court decided that Capt. Bailey Bodwell be re- 
moved from office, and disijualified for holding any militaiy 
office under the Commonwealth for one year. 

In the meantime. Ensign Daniel Holt had resigned his 
commission : and according to regimental orders, the south 
company met in the Village, their usual place of parade, on 
the 23d of IVfarch, 1810, and made choice of Henry Rust, 
Jr., Captaiji; John Millett, Jr.. Lieutenant, and Isaac Ben- 



100 HISTORY OF KOmVAY. 

iiL'tt, Ensign : all of -whom accepted, as military offices, at 
that period, -were considered matters of high importance. 

At the May inspection, in 1818, the company-, then com- 
manded l)y Henry Rust, Jr., " after inspection, the reading 
of the hxw, and partaking of some refreshment, -was marched 
to the ground selected for the purpose, and attended to target- 
firing. The judges appointed for that purpose, a"\varded the 
first prize, $5, to INIr. E. F. Beal for the hest shot : the sec- 
ond, ^3, to Mr. Stephen Greenleaf : and the third, ^2, to 
Mr. Malachi Bartlett." 

Perhaps some of the great guns among the modern peace 
societies, and other modern reformers, may turnup their, noses 
and sneer at such historical matter as this : hut they ought to 
remember that our forefathers, and even many avIio are noAV 
upon the stage, have see)i the times when a good military 
force, well equipped, with twenty-four ball cartridges in their 
boxes, was a much more solid argument against an invading 
foe, and made a far deeper impression, especially if used, 
than all their paper manifestoes. But still we should all 
rejoice to see the time arrive, "when men shall beat their 
swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, 
and learn war no more; " but the present aspect of thing.^ 
does not look much like such a conclusion. 

I ought to have stated, in the proper place, that in the fall 
of 1814, early in October, the militia in this vicinity was 
called to Portland to aid in defending that place against an 
expected attack from a naval squadron of Great Britain, which 
hovered around our shores. Most of the soldiers marched 
off in high spirits, but some felt quite iinrreU. Happily, they 
<lid not come in contact with the enemy ; and a few days after 
their arrival in Portland, a detachment was made from the 
whole — probably about one-sixth part — and the rest returned 
home, very Avell satisfied with going a soldiering. The drafted 
men served about one month, or a little more. 

On the 27th of Aug., 1818, the north company Avas called 



IIISTOr.Y OF NORWAY. lOl 

out for a choice of officers, as Capt. "William Parsoim, Jr., 
had just been promoted to a Major, (and in regular rotation 
afterwards to Brigadier General.) The conii)any promoted 
Lieut. Cad F. Jones to Captain, Ensign John Whitmarsh to 
liieutenant, and elected David Nojes, Ensign. Previous to 
the ]May inspection, in 1820, Capt. Jones had resigned, and 
the company on that da v proceeded to make choice as follows : 
John Whitmarsh, Captain, David Noj'es, Lieutenant, and 
Thompson Hall, Ensign. Previous to J\Iay 12, 1821, Ca})t. 
Henry Rust, Jr., had retired from office ; and according to 
orders, the south company met for the i^urpose of electing a 
Captain, and filling other vacancies; John Millett, Jr., was 
promoted to Captain, Isaac Bennett to Lieutenant, and Amos 
Millett elected Ensign. Previous to the 10th of ApYil, 182o, 
Ensign Amos Millett Avas selected as one of the Aids of Gen. 
William Parsons, Jr., and on that day the company elected 
John llichards (now John Lee) as Ensign. Previous to 
April 9, 1828, Ensign Thompson Hall was appointed Bi-igadc 
Inspector, and in consequence the north company met on tliat 
day, and elected Jeremiah Foster as Ensign. May, (3, 182o, 
the south company made choice of Ensign John Bichards for 
Lieutenant, and Malachi Bartlett for Ensign. About this 
time, Henry "W. Millett was promoted to the office of Major 
of the battalion of cavalry in this brigade. Capt. Jolni 
AVhitmarsh having retired from his command in the north 
company, said company met on the 2d of October, 1824, and 
elected Lieut. David Noyes, Ca})tain, Ensign Jeremiah Fos- 
ter, Lieutenant, and Nathan Foster, Jr., Ensign. Previous 
to Oct. 25th, 1824, Capt. John Millett, Jr., having been 
promoted to a Major, (and subseipiently to Colonel) the south 
company met on that day. and chose Lieut. John Biehards, 
Captain, Henry C. Beeil, Lieutenant : and the following July 
Thomas J. Cox was chosen Ensign in the same conijiany. 
Prior to the 8th of April, 182G, having reaped a large har- 
vest of military glory, and resigned his commission, Capt. 



102 mSTOKt OF XOR'^TAY. 

David Noycs took leave of his company, -wliicli met on tliat 
day, and promoted Lieut. Jeremiah Foster to Captain, and 
elected Benjamin F. Ilall, Lieutenant, and William Needhara, 
Ensign, (Ensign Nathan Foster, Jr., being removed from ns 
hy death on the 19th of January previous.) After the resig- 
nation of Capt. Jeremiah Foster^ the company, on the 22d 
of Aug., 1828, iH-omotcd Lieut. B. F. Hall to Captain, Wil- 
liam Necdham to Lieutenant, and elected Ansel Tov.-Uj 
Ensign. It a])pcars that after the resignation of Capt. John 
liichards, in process of time the other two commissioned offi- 
cers also resigned their commissions, and Aug. 11, 1880, the 
south company elected Joseph Bennett, Captain, Hiram Mil- 
lett, Lieutenant, and William ILiyeSj Ensign, In 1831 ^ 
Capt. B. F. Hall retired, and Ensign Ansel Town was chosen 
Captain, and WiHiiim Stevens, Ensign ; and on the 24th of 
Oct., 1832, William Stevens was promoted to Lieutenant, and 
Henry L. Noyes was elected Ensign, Prior to Sept. IStlu 
1832, Capt. Joseph Bennett having been promoted to the 
rank of Major, the south company on that dny promoted Hiram 
]\Iillett to Captain, William Hayes, to Lieutenant, and elected 
Cephas Sampson Ensign. On the 20th of April, 1836, Capt. 
H. Millett and Lieut. Wm. Hayes having resigned their offices; 
the south company met, and Ensign Cephas Sampson was 
elected Captain, William Noble, Lieutenant, and Alanson M. 
Dunham, Ensign. They continued to serve the company for 
several yenrs, till Capt. Sam})Son resigned, and was succeeded 
by Lieut. William Noble, and Ensign Dunham was promoted 
to Lieutenant ; after a while they both resigned their com- 
missions. Since that time several abortive attempts have been 
made to elect officers. David Sanborn was the last Captain 
elected in this company. He has never called the company 
out since he Avas commissioned, and he informs the writer that 
he has obtained his discharge. Previous to the first Tuesday 
in ^lay, 1835, Capt. Ansel Town, of tlic north company, was 
promoted to the rank of Major, and Lieut. William Steven* 



IIISTOIIY OP NORWAY. 103 

Was raised tQ Captain, Henry L. Noyes to Lieutenant, and 
Amos F. Noyes was elected Ensign. Prior to May, 18CG, 
lieni-y L. Noyes resigned his commission on account of lame- 
ness, and Amos F. Noyes succeeded him as Lieutenant ; 
Alva Hobbs was chosen Ensign. Sometime in the summer 
of 1836, Amos F. Noyes w-as promoted to Captain, Alva 
Hobbs to Lieutenant, and Wusliington French was elected 
Ensign. At the time of the ]\Iadawaska war, Capt. Amos 
.F. Noyes, Lieut. Alva Hobbs, and Ensign Washington French 
were detailed as officers to march to Augusta, where they 
gained bloodless laurels with the rest of the officers and sol- 
diers in that campaign, and received the praise, from the 
^soldiers under their command, of being strict in discipline, 
)>ut attentive to the wants and comforts of those under them. 
After this war, Capt. A. F. Noyes was promoted to Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, Alva Hobbs to Captain, Washington French 
to Lieutenant, and James French elected Ensign. In 1842, 
Capt. A. Hobbs having resigned, AVashington French -was 
promoted to Captain, James French to Lieutenant, and Henry 
Upton elected Ensign. The next and last change elevated 
James French to the office of Captain, Henry Upton, Lieu^ 
tenant, and Ebenezer Crowell, Ensign. 

The last-named board of officers in the north company, and 
Capt. David Sanborn in the south company, were the last of 
the Military Heroes in the town of Norway — as the militia 
system in the State has now l^ecome defunct. Thus Ave sec 
the end of an institution which all must acknowledge was 
formerly of the greatest utility and importance to the State 
and nation, but which, like all sublunary things, has faded 
away, and become o])solete. And probably many of the in- 
.stitutions and associations of the present day arc doomed to 
the same inglorious fate. Therefore, let none exult in a 
momentary triumph ; but lemembcr the prophetic dcchiration 
t)f one of our finest poets, Avho says : 

" Princes and lords may flouriJi^b, or may fVcle : 
A hrcaih can make ihem, as a breath has made." 



104 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

I slitill now, after liumLlj asking leave, go back to the olil 
track, wliere I left off to take up the religious and military 
aftairs, and commence Avitli 1811; but before entering upon 
tlie affairs of that year, I will mention a few items which 
escaped my recollection at the proper time and place. 

Samuel Ames, our venerable miller, had a cljild, aged six- 
teen months, drowned in the mill-pond in 1802. 

In 1806, William Reed, Esq., our first post-master, had a 
sprightly little Ijoy, aged three or four years, killed in the 
Village in a very sudden nianner. His workmen had taken 
off the short cart-body for some cause, and left it standing on 
one end, by propping it up. Several little children, jiluying 
in the street, ha[)pencd to get around this cart-body, and 
pr(jbably endeavored to climb upon it, when it fell upon this 
little boy, and killed him almost instantaneously. Thus were 
the fond hopes of the parents blasted in a moment. It wa-< 
their oldest child. 

In 1808, Daniel Town came to Norway, from Andover, 
Mass., and set up the lilacksmith business at Fuller's Corner. 
He continued the Avork for many years, and was succeeded, 
in another shop, by his son-in-law, P. D. Judkins, Avho, two 
or three years ago, sold out his stand to E. II. Merrill, and 
went to farming. Town was the first blacksmith in the upper 
part of xs orwayj and at that time the inhabitants thought it a 
great convenience. Stephen Latham, about the same time, 
had a little shop near the Corner, for making nails. Wrought 
nails were then in vogue, and were worth one shilling per 
pound. He made most of his nails fiom refuse iron, such as 
old horse-shoes, ox-shoes, and other old affaii's, which farmers 
could pick up. Maj. Cummings, while building the mceting- 
liouse, purchased his nail-rods in Portland, hauled them to 
Norway, and ]Mr. Latham made the nails ; and some of us 
frequently had to go to Latham's shop to get nails to use 
about the house. Cut nails, above the size of shingle and 
clapboard rails, were haidly in use at that period. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 105 

The want of a store was considerably felt, in the ii])per part 
of tlie town. In 1807, Deacon John Hor put up a frame for 
a small stoi'c on a corner of his land, near Fuller's Corner ; 
in 1808, William Lessley moved it across the road, partly 
finished it, and sold out to Uriah Holt, Esq. : he fitted up the 
building, and Aaron Wilkins commenced trade in 1810, and 
traded there about tln-ee years. The store then stood unoc- 
cupied until May, 1817, when William Pingree went into it : 
he traded about one year, and sold out to Jonathan Swift and 
Ansel Field. In about two years after, Swift bought out 
Field, and has beeii in trade in that place most of the time 
since. He, however, let his store to William Pingree in 
1827, who occupied it about two years. He has sometimes 
had a partner, but at present the trade is conducted by his 
only son, Newton Swift. There has been a large quantity 
of goods sold at that Corner. Another store has recently 
been put up there by E. 11. ^Merrill. I have thus run along 
with the story of the little place, just to show its begiiming 
and progress. 

Town officers for 1811 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer: Nathan Noble, Solomon Millett, Henry 
liust. Selectmen ; William Hobbs, Collector. Joshua Smith, 
Representative. 

Total valuation, .$-48,204. Number of polls 224. 
Money tax. For schools, - - ,|600,00 

Support of poor, and town charges, - 140,00 

State tax, _ _ _ - 77.oo 

County tax, - - - - ll.J.42 



Total, _ _ . - >«^9:]2,75 

Highway tax on common roads, - .*<;1244.1>o 
For a new County i-oad to Waterford, through 

the Hall neiy-hborhood, - - 004.41 



Total highway tax, - - - .S-l."j41.Ko4 

Tlic traders, as they were tlien called, stood on the valua- 
tion, for store and iroods, as follows : 



106 



HISTORY 


OP XOPvWAY. 




William Reed, 


k 


^110,00 


Joshua Smith, 


- 


60.00 


Cox and Robinson, 


~ 


200.00 


William Hobbs, 


- 


. 45,00 


Aaron Wilkins, 


' 


160,00 



Value of stores and goodg, - .$575,00 

This year was marked by very small additions to the popu^ 
lation. The new immigrants "vvere — James Small, James 
Rickford, John Small, John Thurston. Those living in the 
town, and becoming of age : Ebenezer Hobbs, Samuel Pikcj 
James Crockett. 

Town officers for 1812: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer: Nathan Noble, Solomon Millett, Uriah 



Holt, Selectmen; Wilham Hobbs, 


Collector. 


Joshua Smitl: 


Representative. 






Money tax. Schools, 


- 


$:600,00 


Poor, and town expenses, 


•- 


iao,oo 


State tax, _ _ - 


■- 


138,66 


County tax, - - - 


- 


118,32 


Extra County tax, 


- 


118,32 



Total, .... $1105,30 

HighAvay tax, includi^^g extra roads, ,^1355,78. Number 
of polls, 242. 

New immio-rants : Edmund Bickford, Georsie W. Cummings, 
Frye H. Eastman, Josiah Hill, Jr., Lemuel Lovejoy, William 
Noyes, Brackctt Marston, William Pierce, Nathaniel Shaw. 
John Shed, Joel Town, Levi Whitman, Daniel H. Warren. 
Hosea White. Those arriving of age : Rufus Bartlett. Jr., 
Benjamin French, Israel ]\Iillett. Robert Pike, Job Perry. 
JNIeivin Pool, Asa Pool, Nathaniel Stevens. There was a 
large accession this year, but the reader must not conclude 
that the town retained all the additions noticed—as many of 
the young men, and some old and middle-aged, yearly left 
the place, either l)y remoVal to other places, or by death. 

Town officers for 1813 : Job Eastman^ Clerk ; Joshua 



IIIbTORV OF NORWAY. 107 

^niitli, Treasui'cr ; Nathan Koblc, Uriah Holt, Joslilia Croek- 

ett, Selectmen ; Jacob French, Collector. Levi Whitman, 

Esq., llepresentative. 

Amount of valuation, $51,408. Number of polls, 230 : 

number of scholars over four years and under twenty-one, 483. 
Highway tax. Town voted, |1000. 
Money tax. Schools, - - $500,00 

Poor, and town expenses, - - 100,00 

State tax, - - - - 138,60 

County tax, - * - - 118,32 

Total, . - - - $850.98 

New immi,Q;rants since the last valuation : Joseph Clifford, 
Elijah Hall, Jeremiah Henley, James Munroe, Bela Noyes, 
Charles Newell, Abner Pingree, Moses Roberts, Samuel 
Lord, Andrew Gould, John Haynes, Stephen P. Watson, 
William IMorrell, Asa Noyes, Levi Frank, Joseph Dolley, 
Josiah Hill, Artemas Rtiwson. Those who 1-esided in town 
and had ])ecome taxable : Joshua Crockett, Jr., Peter Frost, 
William Frost, John Needham, Jr., William Pingree, Henry 
K. Parsons, Amos Stevens. 

In the course of 1812, the '-Lee Grant." so called, was 
purchased by Edward Little, Esq., and this year Avas taxed to 
him : it was also lotted out, and offered for sale. This had 
been much desired by many young men in town for several 
years. 

Near the close of this year, or early in Jan., 1814, a Very 
remarkable incident took place, in the disappearance of a 
young man, a son of Penjamin Witt, the first blacksmith in. 
Ilustfield. On Thursday morning Mr. Witt killed a couple 
of hogs for tlie market, and aboiU noon started for Portland, 
leaving his son, Avlid had assisted him in l)utchering, to see to 
the cattle, &;c., in his absence. In the afternoon, the weather 
being stormy, Mrs. YV' itt noticed that the cattle were not put 
up in the barn, but concluded that her son had gone to school ; 
she therefore gave herself no uneasiness until the other chil- 



108 HISTORY OF XORAVAY. 

dren returned from school, und slie learned tliat lie luul not 
been there. They sent to several of the neighbors to incjuire 
for him, but could learn nothing. The next day diligent 
search "was made, but no trace of him found ; and the search 
was continued for several days by many men, sometimes, 
probably, nearly one hundred, but -without success. Mr. 
Witt reached home on Saturday night, with a heavy heart, 
having heard the sad news on his wa}-. There were eight or 
ten inches of snow on the ground, which lay very still and 
level, and every track was followed to its termination, but 
nothing led to the least discovery of his Avhereabouts : and 
no intelligence has ever been gained of him to the present 
diij. Mr. Witt was one of the volunteers in Capt. Bodwell's 
company, which marched one year before to Burlington ; ho 
took his two oldest sons with him as soldiers in that campaign, 
and had returned in safety but a few days before this wonder- 
ful disappearance of his son. To add to the strangeness of 
the thing, he went away with his old clothes on, whicli he 
wore about the butcliering, leaving a new suit in his cliot, 
and also a consideralde lot of change. Some almost harboied 
the idea that he was murdered ; but the dead m;dce no revela- 
tions, nor have the living, on tliis subject. 

Town officers for 181-i : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Nathan Noble, Uriah Holt. Joshua Crock- 
ett, Selectmen ; Jacob Trench, Collector. Levi Whitmu]]. 
Esq., Representative. 
Highway tax, .1^1200. 

Schools, - - . . .<55<IO.OO 

Poor, and town expenses, - - lofi.dO 

State tax, _ _ _ - ]:]8.t)(j 

County tax, - - - - 118,02 



Total money tax, - - _ $880.08 

There is a little obscurity about matters tliis year, iuid I 
s-liall only add as new-comers— Philip Hezelton, JoiuuLun 



IIISTOrvY OF XORWAT. 109 

Hall. Icliabod Leighton, Adam Bradburj. a son of Joscpli 
Bradbury, and Alvin Boyden. 

Town officers for 1815 : Job Eastman, Clerk : Joshua 
Smitli, Treasurer : Nathan Noble, Uriah Holt, Aaron Wil- 
kins, Selectmen; Jeremiah Hobbs, Jr., Collector. Levi 
Whitman, Esq., Representative. 

Valuation, $50,217. Number of polls 245. Highway 
tax, as assessed, $1255,24. 

State tax, _ - - _ |;218.71 

Town and County tax, by the bills, - 922,66 



Total money tax, - - - |1141,37 

There was quite an accession to the population this year ; 
but it is possible that some of them came in 1814, as the old 
papers of that year were rather lean. Immigrants : James 
D. Sawyer, Allan Bartlett, Josiah Smith, William Cordwcll, 
William Corson, Charles Cleaves, John Davis, David S. Hall, 
Thompson Hall, Abram Jordan, John Jordan, Nathan Morse, 
Epliraim Crockett, Samuel Shackley, Isaac Smith, John 
Twitchell, Peter Town. Old settlers' sons as follows : Simeon 
Noble, Joshua Perry, Jonathan Stevens, Nathaniel P. Shed, 
Nathaniel Young, Jr., Samuel Crockett, John Hobbs, John 
Witt. The opening of the " Lee Grant" for settlement con- 
tributed some towards an increase of population ; the whole 
tract began to be dotted with openings and houses, (some of 
them log-houses) and oiher beginnings towards making farms. 
Towards the latter part of February, the news of peace 
reached us, and joyful news it was. The Treaty of Ghent 
was ratified by our government Feb. 17, and our jollification 
and rejoicing occurred about the 20th. In 1814, I left my 
school to make ball-cartridges for the soldiers when they 
marched to Portland, but now I left it rather early in the 
afternoon to help the boys, and even the men of all classes, 
make preparations for their evening rejoicing. Several of the 
hirgcr houses were handsomely illuminated, and the delightful 



110 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

■\vord, "peace," exhibited in many a -winclo^v. The boys 
had a little home-made artillery-piece, and although gnnpo-vv- 
der was very dear, there was a plenty furnished ; crackers, 
and squibs were also added to lielp alojig ; and to cap the 
climax, uncle Nat Bennett happened to have a tar-barrel, 
with a few gallons of tar in it, which was sent for, mounted 
on a hand-sled, set on fire, and draAvn through our beautiful 
street, amidst the popping of crackers and squibs, the roar of 
the boys' artillery, and the loud huzzas of boys of " larger 
growth." And though there might have been some diversity 
of opinion in regard to the policy of the war, one thing is 
certain, that here in the country, and in the sea-ports, all 
were united in hailing with joy the ncAvs of peace. But per- 
haps some of my young readers will ask for what cause this 
war was declared by our government '? I Avill tell them as 
Avell as I can. At that time, and for several years previous, 
Europe was convulsed with war, and England stood almost 
alone in resisting the power of France, which, under the lead 
of the great Napoleon, was fast climbing towards the pinnacle 
of military glory — that is, to universal rule in Europe. 
England of course wanted, and probably needed, all her sea- 
men — as her naval force was her main instrument both of 
defence and attack. Under a long-clierished, though false- 
founded, notion that she had a right to take her own native 
subjects, in Avhatever land or ship they might be found, she 
had long made a practice of searching our merchant-vessels, 
and sometimes armed vessels, to find British-born subjects ; 
and oftentimes would make mistakes, and impress American- 
born seamen. This assumption of the right of search was a 
cr^'ing sin in the sight of our people and government ; and, 
among a multitude of other grievances, this caused the Avar 
of 1812. An exemption from unreasonable searches and 
seizures is guaranteed to the people of the United States, and 
of this State, in the strongest constitutional manner ; and 
therefore ought to be forever maintained at all hazards. The 



HISTORY OF XORAVAY. Ill 

British government has since the war quietly yielded the right 
of search. 

This year (1815) seems fraught with many incidents of 
interest to myself, and doubtless was to many others. In tlio 
spring I left the Village school, where I had been employed 
for five successive Avinters in the town school, and during the 
intermediate summers had been engaged in a private school, 
or what now-a-days would be termed a high school.. About 
the close of the winter school, some friend, Capt. Rust, Esquire 
Reed, Mr. Bartlett, or some other person, would get up a 
subscription paper, and go round to get enough subscribed to 
support a school through the following summer— averaging 
the expense in proportion to the number of scholars which 
each subscriber should send. The number of pupils in the 
"winter was generally from eighty to ninety, and in summer 
about forty. Thus I spent many of my happiest years in 
Norway Village, teaching the " young idea how to shoot." 
After the close of the winter school, we used to have a splen- 
did school exhibition. The scholars were not permitted to 
devote any of their school hours in preparation for the exhi- 
bition ; that was done by evening study and rehearsals ; and 
after the close of the term I always gave them one week ta 
prepare for the occasion. The parents erected a stage in the 
meeting-house, and the ladies furnished their best carpets to 
cover it, and their best bed-dresses for curtains ; and any 
articles wanted from the stores were alwaj^s proffered for our 
use. Good music was furnished to enliven the scene, and we 
never failed of ha\inor a crowded audience. Our excellent 
superintendent of schools, the Rev. Noah Cresey, always 
lionored us with his presence ; and good old Esquire Eastman, 
with some other privileged old characters, were ever furnished 
with a scat upon the stage The scholars, each one ambitious 
to excel in his parts, and feeling such perfect confidence in 
their good memory and action, were never known, when ou 
the stage, to make a failure. The parents sat. their countc- 



112 HISTORY OF NOKWAY. 

nances beaming Avitli satisfaction, Avitnessing these early 
developments of tlic oratorical faculties of their offspring. 
]\Iany of our speakers were very young, and as .an illustration 
of how Ave " went it" in those days, I will give a little piece 
of original l3omhastic egotism, spoken at one of our earliest 
jx-rformances hy Henry C. Reed, son of "William Reed, Escj^. 

Respected audience, here behold 

An orator full six years old, 

Who at some future day will raise 

Our nation's fame above all praise; 

And if to Congress I should go, 

'T will save our nation's overtiirow ; 

For on tiiat floor my voice shall thunder, 

IMore eloquent than Troup, or Grundy. 

If grumbling critics, with sarcastic 

Tone, should even hint that I 'm bombastic, 

A prettier method of haranguing 

I 'II teach them all by dint of banging; — 

For know, you grumbling set, that I 

Am very nearly four feet high ; 

Besides, 1 always keep a cudgel 

For those who of my talents judge ill ; 

So if you wish to 'scape a drubbing. 

Good gentlefolks, pray please to curb in, 

For 1 no love nor favor '11 show 

To such a grumbling, carping crew. 

In literatuie I do profess 

To be quite good, if not the best; 

I write, and read, and also spell, 

And many things too much to tell. 

The Ijatin noii intcJIigo, 

Likewise the Greek I do not know ; 

But English grammar is my hobby, 

I mount more oft than papa's nobby. 

But lest your patience I should tire, 

I'll stifle my poetic fire ; 

Then I, the wonder of this age, 

^Vill make my bow, and quit the stage. 

And. as the papers say of new actors when they make their 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 113 

dobiii on the stage, "he met with unhouncled applause."' 
While in this school mj health was rather feeble, and some- 
times I found it necessary to leave the school for an hour or 
two ; and when this occurred, I selected certain scholars to 
teach particular branches ; and on returning to the school- 
room after resting, everything would be "all right.'' Suck 
Avas the good feeling subsisting between teacher, scholars and 
parents, that there never was a word of fault found on that, 
or any other account, though I sometimes left for half a day 
or more at a time. But there ! I wo n't say another word 
about my old scholars. In a few weeks after leaving the 
school, I commenced on a new lot of land, and had to prepare 
myself to cut down the trees, and pile up the black logs. 

Town officers for 1816 : Job Eastman, Clerk : Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; i)^athan Noble, Aaron "VVilkins, William 
Hobbs, Selectmen ; Moses Ayer, Collector. Levi W hitman, 
Esq., Representative. 

A^aluation, ^52,732. Number of polls 2G4 : number of 
scholars 519. 

Highway tax, $1640,23. 

Town tax. - - - -' $756.59 

State tax.' - - _ . 182,67 

County tax, - - - - 236,64 



Total money tax, - - - |1175,90 

New Immigrants : Enoch Crocker, John Rust, Thomas 
Clark, Benjamin Joseph, William M. Lovejoy, John March, 
Jeremiah Mitchell, Edward Mitchell, John Phipps, James 
Varney, Joel Town, Dudley Woodbridge. Old settlers' sons : 
Lemuel Bartlett, Flavel Bartlett, Thomas Briggs, Cyrus 
Cobb, Ebenezer Cobb, Jr., Nathan Foster, Jr., Samuel B. 
Gurney, John Lovejoy, John Noyes, Nathan Noble, Jr., 
Nathaniel Pike, Samuel Tubbs, John Millett, Jr. 

This year was noted for its cold summer, and not only cold, 
l).ut extremely dry. The spring was unusually cold and back- 



114 HISTORY OF X0RA7AY. 

ward ; tliere were snow-squalls on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days 
of June, and on the 7th, plo^Yed ground actually froze in many 
places. 

The spring of 1815 was also very cold and backward. On 
the 18th d:iy of May a snow-storm commenced, and the next 
morning the snow was eighteen inches deep on an average. 
The funeral of Charles Stevens, the oldest son of Nathaniel 
Stevens, took place on the 1 9th, and people had hard work to 
get to the funeral with sleighs, on account of the snow : but 
the sun shining out warm, carried it off very suddenly. 

On the 7th of June, Mr. James Flint, and Jeremiah Sta- 
ples, a young man living with him, and Mr. Joshua Young, 
of Greenwood, set out with a large raft of mill-logs from the 
shore of the pond against the writer's farm, intending to take 
them down the pond to the mill. The morning Avas still, but 
by the time they had reached the middle of the pond, squalls 
began to rise, and soon the wind blew a gale. Their raft 
parted its fastenings and went to pieces ; Mr. Flint succeeded 
in getting astraddle of a large log, and Young and Staples 
were lucky enough to do the same thing, both of them on one 
log. Thus, in this perilous situation, they floated down the 
pond, with the waves breaking over them, and running feath- 
er-white, for the distance of two miles. When they reached 
the shore, many men, Avho had in some way learned their 
situation, but could do nothing to help them, were there to 
assist and welcome them to terrafirma. They were so chilled 
and benumbed that they could hardly stand ; and it might 
truly be considered as a Avonderful escape from droAvning. 

About this year, or a little previous, Mr. Jabez Chubb was 
drowned in Crooked river, betAveen Norway and Waterford, 
while driving logs, in the spring season. He was an early 
settler in the tOAvn, and married a daughter of Mr. Phinehas 
Whitney, the old soldier. 

The crops in 181G were very much injured by the cold and 
drought, and an early frost almost destroyed the corn. The 



HISTORY OF XORAVAY. 115 

writer this year planted the first corn on h'm new farm, on a 
piece of burnt ground by the side of the pond ; and when tho 
early frost came, the fog from the pond went over the corn, 
and saved it from injury in a great degree ; and ho probably 
had more sound corn than all north of the center of the 
town. Seed corn towards spring was worth $3 or more per 
bushel ; and Maj^ Jonathan Cummings, who then owned the 
Phillips Academy half-township in Greenwood, bought four 
bushels of seed corn of the writer to furnish the poor settlers, 
in part, on his new settlement. This was a praiseworthy act 
of benevolence. 

Owing to the great drought, in the fall, the 'fires made 
dreadful ravages, and hundreds, even thousands, of acres of 
forest and woodland were destroyed. Many buildings were 
in imminent danger, yet only one in this town was burnt ; 
that was a barn belonging to Mr. Samuel Pingree, with all 
his crops, with which it was well filled. 

Benjamin Joseph, mentioned among the new immigrants, 
did not come here in 1816, but as early as 1807. He was a 
full-blooded West India negro, from Cuba. When a boy, Dr. 
Stephen Cummings, of Portland, brought him to that city ; 
but thinking it would be far better for him to be brought up 
in the country, he let his brother, Maj. Jonathan Cummings, 
have him, not as a slave, but as a servant. Here he was well- 
treated, well-fed, clothed and schooled, and when he became 
twenty-one years of age, had his time and earnings for him- 
self : he was accordingly taxed after becoming of age. His 
native simplicity, and mild disposition, made him rather a 
favorite in the family and neighborhood as long as he resided 
in the place. He afterwards went to Portland, Avhcre he still 
resides, and has a family. He is the only colored person who 
has lived in the town during the last half century. 

Town officers for 1817: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smithj Treasurer; Nathan Noble, Aaron Wilkins, William 






116 HISTORY or NORWAY. 

Ilobbs, Selectmen : James Crockett, Collector. No Repre- 
sentative chosen. 

Valuation, $49,889. Number of polls 262 : number of 
scholars 558. 

Highway tax, by the bills, $1207,35. 
Town tax, - . '_ ' - $1172.62 • 

State tax, - - - - 182,67 

County tax, - _ _ 177,48 

Total money tax, - - - $1532,77 

New immigrants : Israel Dresser, Benjamin Richards, Jer- 
'emiah Staples, Jonathan Swift. Old settlers' sons, arriving 
tit twenty-one years of age : Clement Bartlett, Syh^nus 
Bartlett, John Merrill, Daniel Witt. 

The spring and early part of summer were noted on account 
of the great scarcity of provisions of almost all kinds, owing 
to the short crops of the year previous. Many families were 
often destitute of bread for many days together ; potatoes were 
nearly as scarce, and meat not much more plenty. I saw the 
widow Dale pay $2,50 for one bushel of rye to feed her 
fatherless childi'en. Flour was worth here in Norway $16 
per barrel; pork from 17 to 20 cents per pound, and scarce 
at that ; and the war having so recently closed, all store arti- 
cles were proportionately high. 

But Providence did not always frown upon us, for this 
year the harvest was abundant — perhaps never better. Al- 
though pressed by pinching want, people put a great deal of 
seed into the ground, and everything seemed to grow with 
great luxuriance. There were hundreds of acres which were 
burnt over the fall before, and this spring the small stuff was 
picked up, and rje sown, with a scanty allowance of seed, 
say, one peck sometimes, and at most, a half bushel to the 
•acre ; and the crop Avas abundant, often twenty to twenty-five 
bushels per acre. Thus the labors of husbandmen seemed to 
be blessed in the time of their greatest need. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 117 

ToAvn officers for 1818 : Job Eastmas, Ckik ; Josliua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Aaron Wilkius, Uriah Holt, Henrj Kust, 
Jr. , Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. No Representa- 
tive chosen. 

Valuation, }{^49,403. Number of polls 269 ; number of 
scholars 536. 

Highway tax, by the bills, ,$1651,92. 
Town tax, - - - - $898,79 

State tax, - - - -. 176,67 

County tax, - - - -, 88,00 



Total money tax, - - - $1163,46 

New immigrants : William Churchill, Samuel Davis, Mar- 
tin Girts, Samuel Howe, Henry McKenney, Matthew Lassell, 
Seneca Landers, Samuel Martin, Samuel Perry, Andrew 
Jlichardson, Elijah Whiting, William Yates, James Eastman, 
Ansel Field. Old settlers' sons : Baker Ames, Benjamin 
Flint, Jr., Consider Hill, Stephen Jenkins, Solomon Millett, 
Jr., Henry W. ]Millett, Bcla Noyes, Jr., Evi Needham, Wil- 
liam Shed, Silas Shed, William Young, Ezra F. Beal, Lewis- 
(A'ockctt, Solomon Crockett, Henry Pike. 

This year, on the 2od day of June, Lemuel Shed was killed 
while assisting in raising a house for his oldest son, N. P. 
sShed. The accident happened in the following manner : The. 
liousG v/as to be a story and a half high ; the west end had 
"been raised and leaned out against two timbers to hold it u)> 
while they raised the middle band ; Mr. Shed had prepared 
liimseif to hold one of the posts, and Capt. Ward Noyes the 
4:)ther; they stood with tlieir backs towards the end that was 
raised. The hands had just taken hold of the timber to raise 
it up, -when there came a strong gust of wind and blew the 
vm\ over upon them ; the other men seeing the timber falling, 
made tlieir esciipo from under it ; but the beam struck Mr. 
Shed on his head, crushing it against the post he was about 
to tioldj and dashing it; to pieces in a shocking manner, even. 



118 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

driving some of tlie bones into tlie timbers. He was killed in 
an instant. It also struck Capt. NoA'es on his thigh and 
knee, breaking his leg very badly. The Avife and only daugh- 
ter of Mr. Shed Avere both present to see his son's house 
raised ; but instead of witnessing that pleasing sight, they 
Ijeheld the instantaneous death of a beloved husband and fa^ 
ther. Thus suddenly perished the good and faithful old 
soldier, who had braved the dangers of a seven years' war. 
Capt. Noyes, after a long confinement, finally recovered, and 
continued to follow the carpenter's business until his death, 
Avhich took place April 23d, 1822. He was a very indus- 
trious, persevering man, and probably framed and raised mort.> 
buildings than any other man in the town : as he came here 
in 1800, just as people were begiiming to erect frame build- 
ings. He left a family of nine children. 

ToAvn officers for 1819: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, Henry Rust, Jr., Jonath.an 
Woodman, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. No Rep- 
resentative chosen. 

Valuation, $50,496. Number of polls 230 ; number gf 
scholars 550. 

Highway tax, $21^S,U. 

Town tax, - - - > $10r,0,8.^> 

Second assessment, - - - 79,90 

State tax, - - - - 122,6T 

County tax, _ _ _ 204,48 



Total money tax, _ - - $1407,94 

New immigrants : Thomas Davis, James Corson, Joseph 
Oammon, Oliver Hale, Hatevil Hall, Charles McKenney, 
William Lord, Ebenezer Lord, George Lord, Martin Stetson, 
William Yates, Jr. Old settlers' sons : Ichabod Bai-tlett, 
Jeremiah Foster, George Erench, Reuben Knight, Simo» 
Noble, Charles Pike, Levi Shed, Nathaniel Twombly. Ben- 
jamin Witt, Jr., Jabez Chubb, Edmund Frost 



mSTORY OF NORWAY. 119 

Town officers for 1820 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer; Uriah Holt, Henry Rust, Jr., Jonathan 
Woodman, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. 

Bj measures adopted during the preceding year, Maine was 
separated from Massachusetts, and erected into a separate 
State. Aaron Wilkins, Esq., was chosen as a delegate from 
Norway to form the Constitution, and Henry Rust, Jr., was 
chosen Representative to the first Legislature, which met in 
Jan., 1821. 

Valuation, $76,671. Number of polls 250 ; number of 
scholars 526. 

Highway tax on common town roads, $1049,74 

•' " on County, or extra roads, 523,81 



Totalhighwaytax, - - - $1573,55 

ToAvn tax, - - - - $960,01 

State tax, - - . - 122.67 

County tax, u - - - 233,79 



Total money tax, _ . - $1316,47 

New immigrants — very small number : Ambrose Parris, 
John H. Rand, Horatio G. Cole. Old settlers' sons : Amos 
Millett, Levi Noyes, WiHiam Pool, David Smith, John S. 
Shed, William Foster, Amos Hobbs, Jr., Simon Stevens, 
David Noble. 

By an old list of voters who voted on the question of sepa- 
ration from Massachusetts, I find the whole number 109. 

In the little sketch of the religious affairs of the town, I 
J^aid something of Maj, Jonathan Cummings, who built the 
Congregational meeting-house. Ho was a son of the propri- 
etor of the Cummings Gore, and probably came into the 
plantation under the most favorable circumstances of any early 
settler. He was naturally of an obliging, kind disposition, 
and very cheerful and socuil in his every-day deportment, 
which caused him to become a favorite with all Avho became 
acquainted with him. From the early settlement of the towa 



120 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

up to nearly tlic time of his deatli, there probably was no man 
in the place who could exercise so great an influence as Maj. 
Cummings. lie Avas thought to be rich, and, probably Avas, 
during part of his life. About 180G. he purchased the half- 
township, now in Greenwood, belonging to the " Phillips 
Academy," and gave back a mortgage to secure the pa3anent 
of the purchase-money. He sold many lots of land, on which 
the purchasers commenced clearing and building, an^I he re- 
ceived large (juantities of lumber, and a great am.ount of 
labor towards these lands, "while building the meeting-house ; 
he likewise employed much help al)out farming, Avhich he 
carried on largel3^ He built a saAv-mill on the outlet of the 
little PennesseAvassee pond, Avhich did but little business ; he 
also built mills in the Academy half-tOAvnship, Avhich produced 
small profit at that early stage of the settlement of Green- 
Avood. Thus things ran along for many years, Avithout any 
apparent interruption, and the settlement in GreeuAVOod Avas 
progressing rapidly, as he AA'as \"ery acconmiodatiug in receiv- 
ing almost any commodity in payment for land. Feme paid 
up in full for tlicir lots, and some had the precaution to insist 
on his getting an acquittance of their particular lots from the 
Trustees of the Academy, Avho held the mortgage ; and, to 
accomplish this, he mortgaged his own farm to them tQ keep 
their security good, lie Avas, in the first place, to give 
^4500 for the land ; and in a few years he sold enough to 
have paid up the sum, Avith interest; but, from the multi- 
plicity of his concerns, he applied his receipts to other 
purposes, while his debt to the Trustees Avas fast accumulating. 
Any calculating man can discover that interest money is the 
" worm that never dies ; " and, Avith him, it ate out all hope 
of ever being able to extricate himself from his pecuniaiy 
embarrassments. About 1819 his afiiiirs Avere approaching a 
crisis, and by the spring of 1820 his difficulties so harassed 
his mind that it seems he could not bear up under the burden. 
ISear the fiist of ]May he was driven to such desperation that 



HISTOllY OF NORWAY. 121 

he took his razor and repaired to his barn very early one 
morning, and applied it to his throat, partly severing the 
windpipe and some large veins ; he would have shortly ex- 
pired had he not been discovered by his Avife, who, having 
occasion to pass by the barn, saw him weltering in his own 
blood. She took a handkerchief from her neck and bound 
up his wound, and called for help. A surgeon was summoned 
with all possible dispatch, and the wound dressed in so careful 
a manner, that in a few Aveeks he was restored to tolerable 
bodily health, and seemed to have become very sensible of the 
awful deed which he came so near executing. He conversed 
iVeely with his friends about the sad affair, and expa-essed a 
firm determination never to yield to such wrong impulses for 
the future. His proud spirit was humbled, and he seemed to 
acquiesce, and submit to come down from the high position 
he had occupied. All pitied him ; and, in fact, almost for- 
gave liim for the rash act he had committed. His creditors 
felt for him ; they even offered to lend a helping hand to keep 
him up ; but all human strength seemed unequal to the task 
of sustaining bis good resolutions, and about the middle of 
July he put a period to his earthly troubles by cutting the 
jugular vein on the right side of the neck with his jack-knife. 
Some time in the forenoon he left the house, telling his wife 
he w^as going to the field where his men Avere moAving ; but 
he went into the nursery a fcAV rods from the house and com- 
mitted the fatal deed. The Avriter summoned a coroner's 
jury, and assisted in taking up the body ; and never, never 
did he behold so horrid a spectacle as that. The wound Avas 
below, and a little behind the point of the right jaAV, two and 
a half inches deep, and five-eighths of an inch Avide — ^_just the 
Avidtli of the knife. xVfter the Avound Avas given, he shut up 
the knife, and still held it in his hand Avhen found. The ver- 
dict of the juiy AA^as, that he put an end to his life in a state 
of partial derangement. Ho fell in the full strength and 
pride of manhood, aged forty-tAvo years. Thus the higli hopes 



122 HISTOllY OF NORWAY-. 

of his interesting family were prostrated, as it were, in a mo- 
ment. He occupies a 'little space in our grave- jaixl, and that 
is the onlj spot of ground, of all the Cummings land in Nor- 
way, that is now retained by any of the descendants. Thus 
we may see the instability of all earthly possessions. But I 
will write no more, for the tears of pity drop at the sad recol- 
lection of his untimely end. 

Without leave, I will revert back to the winter of 1816. 
In Januaiy, or thereabout, the school-liouse in district No. 5 
was burnt in the night, and many books were destroyed with 
the building. This was the first school-house built in the 
town, or rather plantation, as it was built before the town was 
incorporated. Another house Avas erected on the same spot 
the ensuing summer, which gave place to a new one in 1851. 
The school-house in district No. 1, in the northwest corner 
of the town, Avas also burnt in Jan., 1819, and rebuilt in the 
ensuing summer. 

I have traced things up along to the time when Maine be- 
came a State, and our town was commencing a new era ; but 
as yet have said nothing about our public-houses ; and lest 
the reader should bo fatigued and Avish to put up. or take a 
little refreshment, I will now give some account of them. 
eToscjih Stevens, one of the very first settlers, kept the first 
tavern in the town, and it Avas a good one for that early day. 
He began to put up " strangers and traA^elers and others " as 
early as 1800, but had no license until the County of Oxford 
Aras organized. He afterAvards had a license nntil he gave up 
the business, a short time before the organization of the State. 
About 1806, a Dr. Case came hito NorAvav Village and 
stopped a year or more, (he did not act the ph^'-sician much 
while here,) and opened a taA'crn in the old Samuel Smith 
house, on the s'tc now occupied by Willinra C. Whitney's 
house ; but there Avas not sulTicient head to make it go, and he 
emigrated elseAvhere. About 1812, Joshua Smith, Esq., 
opened a public-house in the Village _. and did a gocd business 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 123 

till about 1843, "wlien he died, aged 73 years. James Bick- 
ford attempted to keep a public-house in tlie old Samuel 
Smith house, about 1813, but made rather a failure, and quit 
the business. In 1807-8, William IIr)bbs built a large house 
at the center of the town, and opened a tavern in 1809 ; he 
continued it until nearly 1820, but the travel was then small 
through that part of the town. About 1821, llezekiah Pin- 
gree opened a public-house at Fuller's Corner, in North 
Norway, but the business was rather small, and he soon 
abandoned it. After the building of the new County road 
from Bethel to Norway, which was made passable in 1823, 
the writer put up travelers as occasion required, and on the 
]st of Jan., 1824, he received a license from the town au- 
thorities for keeping a public-house, and continued the business 
until April, 1851, when the railroad rendered it unnecessary 
for the public accommodation. Innholdera' licenses, from the 
organization of the State, were for many years $6,25, in- 
cluding the Clerk's fee, amounting to 60 or 75 cents per 
year, Avhich was paid into the treasury. Increase Robinson, 
after building his new and commodious liouse, on the site of 
the old Samuel Smith house, opened a tavern ; but at that 
time the Village did not seem to require two public-houses, 
and he continued the business but a few years. William Reed 
likewise tried a public-house a sliort time, about 1820. About 
1830, Ezra F. Beal fitted up a public-house near the center 
of the Village, and kept it a few years ; and, on removing to 
Portland, leased the house to Anthony Bennett, (son of Capt. 
Anthony Bennett,) who, in a few years, was succeeded by hh 
brother, Col. Joseph Bennett. In process of time, Mr. Beal 
sold the stand to Titus 0. Brown, who previously had kept a 
tavern at Gray Corner for many years, and he and his son- 
in-law, Mr. Amos Purington, managed tlie house till about 
1842, when Anthony Bennett purchased the stan.d ; he soon 
after maile additions to the house and stable, and fitted up a 
large and cemmodious cslablishmcntj which he occupied until 



124 niSTORY OF NORWAY. 

Sept. 23, 1851, -vvhen all his buildings and m©st of liis fiinii- 
ture were destroyed by fire. But I sliall speak of this hereafter. 
In 1844, William Hayes fitted up a house at the Corner, one 
mile and three-fourths west of the Village, and entertained 
strangers and travelers four or five years. About 184G, a 
company of gentlemen purchased the old tavern-stand so long 
occupied by Joshua Smith, Esq. ; they added a third story to. 
the house, and finislied the whole in an elegant and convenient- 
style. When completed, James N. Hall opened a public- 
house, known as the •' Elm House," and managed it a year 
or more ; he was succeeded by S. T. Dutton, who kept the 
house about a. year and a half, when Otis True assumed the 
management of the establishment, which he yet continues^ 
This is the only public-house in the town at this time. 

Town officers for 1821: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, Henry Rust, Jonathan 
Woodman, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collectm-. Norway 
and Hebron v/erc classed together, and a Mr. Greenwood, of 
Hebron, was Eepresentative. 

Valuation, .'IJjTTjlSS. Number of polls 2^2 ; number of 
scholars 591. 

Highway tax, - - - |1009,43 

Tax on County roads, - - 504,02 



Total highway tax, - - - .|1513,45 

Money tax, town, County, and State, ,i;lo85,74. 
New immigrants : Stephen Cummings, Isaac Clark. Robert 
Frost, Benjamui Furlong, Thomas Goss, Samuel Jordan, Ben-, 
jamin Jordan, Henry C. La,wrencc, John Morse, Abberde-.m 
Pratt, William Rich, John Tike, Jr., Paul Twombly, William 
Shackley, William Totherly, Zachariah Weston, John Weston, 
Amos Downing, John Ilix. Old settlers' sons : Jacob 
Bradhury, Nathaniel Bodwcll, Nathaniel Cobb, George Frost, 
Daniel Herring, Darius Holt, Jr., Joseph Lombard, Na- 
thaniel Millctt, Jr., Nathan Noble, Jr., la-ael Pike, Sylvanus 
Bartlett. 



HISTORY OF XORWAT. 125 

III tlie summer of this jear, or a previous year, Betsey 
"Gammon fell clo^YU the celhir-stairs in Benjamin Fuller's 
house, and was instantly killed, her neck being broken by the 
fall. She was living at Mr. Fuller's. 

In the winter of 1821, during the first session of tliO first 
Legislature of the State of Maine, the "Rust Gore^" so 
called, was annexed to Norway.. As before noticed, it lies 
south of the Waterfard three tiers, and probably contains 
about 1800 acres.. By this annexation, five or six families 
were added to the town, viz. : John Pike, Jr., Benjamin Jor- 
dan, William Frost, Robert Frost, Zaehariah Weston. They 
had long desireil the annexation : and it was owing to an over- 
sight in draughting the first act of incorporation, that the 
Gore was omitted. 

Town officers for 1822 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, Nathan Noble, Willi^tm Par- 
sons, Jr., Selectmen; James Crockett, Collector. Norway 
classed with Greenwcod — Uriah Holt, Representative. 

Valuation, $T7, 211. Number of polls 275; number of 
scholars .620. 

Highway tax, common roads, - i^l300,00 

Overlaid in assessing, - - 42,08 

Extra road tax, with overlayings, - 528,95 

2d " " '< " 522.34 



Total road tax, _ _ - 


$2393,37 


For schools, - ^ , - 


|600,00 


Poor, and town expenses, 


200,00 


County tax, - - - - 


338.08 


State tax, _ - - - 


177',72 


Overlaid in assessment, 


25.68 


Delinquency of highway tax for 1821, 


56^97 



Total money tax, - - - $1399,05 

The extra road tax this year was large, in consequence of 
making a ncAV County road half the length of the town, which 
opened a great thoroughfiire from the valley of the Co^inecticut 



126 HISTOllY OF NORWAY. 

I'iver to Portland, and was very much traveled until super- 
seded by the railroad. Many Avere much opposed to the road 
at first, but it proved of great utility to Norway Village, and 
to the public travel. 

New immigrants : Benjamin Barrows, Reuben Chandler, 
John S. French, David H. Gamble, Reuben Hill, John Mc- 
Allister, Joseph York, Amos Downing, Dr. Asa Danforth. 
Old settlers' sons : Archejiuis Fuller, Edmund Merrill, Jr., 
Zenas Pool, Moses Ames, Joel Parsons, Nathan Bradbury, 
Nathan Millett. 

In Dec, 1822, Bela Noyes, Jr., (now Bela Noyes) was 
visited with a severe calamity, by having his house burnt. 
He was then unmarried, (but approximating very nearly 
tOAvards that blissful state,) and was finishing his house in 
order to found a home for a family. A young man, Daniel 
Major, Avho had lived several years, previous to this time, with 
the writer, Avas at Avork on the inside of the house, in Avhicli 
lie and Mr. Noyes lodged, and cooked their food. On the 
evening previous to tlie fire, they Avent to bed at the usual 
hour, and about midnight Avere alarmed by the crackling of 
flames. They sprang suddenly from their bed, and on opening 
the door of the room Avhere the fire commenced, it burst upon 
them Avith such violence that they Avere obliged to make their 
escape in the quickest Avay possible. Mr. Noyes broke through 
a panel door, Avithout stopping to op^i it, and then went out- 
of-doors through a AvindoAV, bursting oi.t the sash and glass. 
They escaped Avith nothing on but their shirts, and in the 
midst of a clear, cold December night, in this nude condition, 
they remained on the spot to save the barn from destruction, 
as the Avind drove the flames and sparks directly upon it for 
more than one hour ; finally, by the aid of a fcAV neighbors 
Avho came to their assistance, they saved the barn and its con- 
tents. This fire caused quite a loss to Mr. Noyes : though 
the amount of property Avas not great, compared Avith many 
other losses of this kind, yet it SAvcpt ofl" his little all — tho 



HISTORY OF XOIIWAY. 12'? 

earnings of several years of hard labor. Daniel Major had 
his chest in the house, containing his clothes, tools, pocket- 
book, &c., with about ^50 in money, and $200 in notes, and 
lost everything but his shirt in Avhich he escaped from the 
flames. The notes Avere against such men as made no objec- 
tion to paying him honorably, when called upon ; but still it 
was rather a severe loss to him, as he w^as a poor orphan boy, 
and had no father's house for a shelter in his misfortune. 

Town officers for 1823 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smitli, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, James Flint, Elijah Hall, 
Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Uriah Holt, Repre- 
sentative. 

Valuation, >^79,015. Number of polls 290; number of 
scholars (331. 

Highway tax, common roads, - $'1 330, 4G 

Extra road tax, _ _ _ 839,93 



Total, 


_ 


$2170,39 


Schools, 


- 


|600,00 


Poor, and town expenses, 


-. 


200,00 


County tax, - 


- 


260,18 


State tax, 


-. 


177,72 


Overlaid in the assessment. 


- 


44,49 


Delinquency of highway tax for 1822, 


74,29 



Total money tax, - - - $1356,68 

New immigrants : Epbraim Brown, Abbot Holt, Lewis; 
Hutchinson, Abijah Ingalls, Jacob Kimball, John R. Swift, 
John Wolcot. Old settlers' sons : Josiah Blanchard, Jr., 
Epbraim Briggs, Jr., Edmund Frost, George French, Nehe- 
miah D. Frank, Daniel Hobbs, Jr., Cyprian Hobbs, "William 
Hor, Natlian Hor, Levi Lovejoy, Stephen Lovejoy, Samuel 
Merrill, Levi Millett, Andrew Mills, Solorhon IS'o1)le, John 
Richardson, Jr., Elliot Smith, Job E. Stevens, Daniel Wat- 
son, Jr., John Andrews. 

This year, in the spring, or in June, James French (son 
of James French, the early settler) had the niisfortuue- to 



128 HISTORY OF XORWAY. 

have his house burnt, together with considerable other prop- 
erty. The house was built by his father in 180G. 

In July, this year, a saw-mill built by Maj. Elijah Hall, 
and his son, Thompson Hall, in 1819, was burnt, and much 
lumber lying about the mill was also destroyed. The accident 
Avas caused by a fire running in the woods, it being extremely 
dry at that time. The owners rebuilt the mill, and about 
1830 sold it to Isaiah Hall and Darius Holt, Jr. In 183G. 
or thereabout, it was again burnt, and a second time rebuilt 
by Mr. Hall and others ; and in 1844 was burnt a third time. 
The last two burnings were caused by fire from stoves used 
for warming the miU. While sawing shingles on the day the 
mill Avas last burnt, Edward C. Hall, a son of Isaiah Hall, 
by some accident had most of the fingers of his right hand 
cut off with the circular saw ; and while his wound was being 
dressed, in a house, the mill took fire and was destroyed in 
spite of all efforts to save it. A year or two subsequent, 
Dudley I>. Holt, a grandson of oM Mr. Darius Holt, rebuilt 
the mill again — the fourth building ; it is now owned by David 
P. Stowell, Esq., of Paris. This succession of saw-mills 
have been built on the same stream on Avhich Amos Upton 
erected a grist-mill soon after the town was settled ; but his 
mill Avas a mile from the saAV-mill, up the stream. 

In Sept., 1823, a very mortal sickness prcA^ailed in the 
nortliAvest part of the to\Yn, and to some extent in other parts. 
The disorder was something like the dysentery, accompanied 
with high fever, and baffled the skill of the physicians in most 
cases. Thirteen persons died in one little neighborhood in 
three Aveeks. Infxncy and age alike fell before the destroyer. 

ToAvn oflBcers for 1824 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith; Treasurer : William Ilobbs, Simeon Noble, Job East- 
man, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Frederick 
Coburn, of GreeuAvood, Representative. 

Valuation, J|T5,495. Number of polls 268 ; number of 
scholars 571. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 129 

Higliway tax. common roads, - $•1226,02 

Extra roads, ' - - - 1170.19 



Total, 


- 


12396,21 


Schools, - _ - 


- 


|550,00 


Poor, and town charges, 


- 


250,00 


County tax, - - - 


- 


182,18 


State tax, _ _ _ 


- 


198,85 


Overlaid, _ _ _ 


- 


41,39 


Deficiency of highways for 1823, 


- 


81,27 



Total money tax, - - - $1303,69 

New immigrants : Thomas Morey, Abial Pratt, Thomas 
Pollard, James Smith, Timothy Smith, Enoch Whitney, 
Old settlers' sons : Andrew Case, Amos Foster, William Hall, 
Silas Meriam, Jr., William Needham, Jonathan B. Smith, 
Dresser Stevens, Ezra Twombly. 

Previous to this valuation, probably in 1823, Job E. Ste- 
vens .had put up a little store at the Corner, since known as 
Eord's Corner, Frost's Corner, &c. This was the first build- 
ing erected at that place ; the next was a blacksmith's shop, 
built by William Foster in 1829 ; and we may very fairly 
call him and Stevens the first founders of that little settle- 
ment. Mr. Foster hammered out a good many dollars in that 
shop, and has been succeeded by several others ; Wm. Hayes 
now works in the same shop. John B. Ford, from Gray, 
succeeded Stevens in the store, and did a good business ; and 
many others have tried trade at the Corner with various 
success. 

Town officers for 1825: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, William Hobbs, Levi Whit- 
man, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Uriah Holt, 
Representative. 

Valuation, |99,453. Number of polls 267 : number of 
scholars 635. 

Highway tax, 1711,41, 
9 



130 HISTOBY OF NORWAY. 

Scliools, . . - . |550,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 300,00 

County tax, - _ - . 208,21 

State tax, - . . _ 198,85 

Overlaid in assessment, - - 57,14 

Deficiency of highway tax for 1824,. - 50,08 



Total money tax, - - - $1364,28 

No additions to the population worth naming. 
Nothing very remarkable occurred this year, excepting the 
destruction of Elijah Flint's barn, in April, from a singular 
cause. Mrs. Flint was about to set a goose on some eggs, 
and carried some ashes to the barn to put under the nest ; 
there happened to be a little too much fire in the ashes, and 
the barn w^as soon in flames. We have read the old story of 
geese once saving ancient Rome, but we never heard of their 
burning buildings before this occurrence. 

Town officers for 1826: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, William Hobbs, Levi Whit- 
man, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Uriah Holt, 
Representative. 

Valuation, $99,826. Number of polls 265 ; number of 
scholars 624. 

Highway tax, $1721,57. 

Schools, - - - - $550,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 350,00 

County tax, - - - - 210,53 

State tax, - - - _ 220,10 

Overlayings, and deficiency of highway, 89,12 

Total money tax, - - - $1420,35 

New immigrants : John Ayer, Charles Gammon, Benjamin 
Herrick, Walter B. Drew, Daniel Lufkin, John Marston, 
John Rice, David Woodman, Eli Whitney, Asa Johnson, 
Joseph Durgin, Dr. J. S. Millett. Old settlers' sons : Sam- 
uel Bird, Samuel Cobb, Elijah Flint, Jr., Hiram. Millett, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY, 181 

David Wilkins, David Young, Daniel Pottle, William Roavc, 
Henry C. Reed, Joseph Bennett. 

In May, this year, William Pierce, who lived on the north- 
westerly corner lot of the Cnmmings Gore, was fatally injured 
by the foil of a tree upon him, while at work falling trees. 
The injury w^s principally across the small of his back — as 
his lower extremities Avere entirely helj^less until liis death. 
He lived about a fortnight, and died June 3d, after mucli suf- 
ferincr, ao;ed 40. He left a wife and sis children bereft of a 
kind husband and father. He Avas a very upright, industrious 
man, and set a good example for his family, and that example 
lias been well followed. His widow and second son now live 
on the same farm, Avhich ranks among the best in that part 
of the town. 

Town officers for 1827 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, William Hobbs, Daxid Noyes, 
Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Uriah Holt, Repre- 
sentative. 

Valuation, $101,037. Number of polls 256 ; number of 
scholars 010. 

Highway tax, common roads, - ,f 1212.(51 

Extra roads, - - - 992,12 



Total highway tax, - - - 


$2204,73 


Schools, _ _ _. - 


$550.00 


Poor, and tOAvn charges, 


425.00 


County tax, - - .. - 


234^90 


State tax, _ _ - , 


220,15 


Overlaid in assessment, 


25.32 


Delinquency of highway tax for 1826, 


47,30 



Total money tax, - - - $1502,67 

New immigrants : Asa Barton, Hiram BarroAvs, Samuel 

BroAvn, Rev. John Haynes, Ira Johnson, Thomas McKin-- 

nee, Elias H. Leighton, WidoAV Betsey Latham, Rev. Henry 

A, Merrill, George Morrell, Amos OrdAvay, J. Y. Webster, 



132 HISTORY OF I^OKAVAY, 

Joel Parklmrst. Joshua Ricker. Old settlers' sons : James 
Bennett, William Beal, Jr., Williaai Merrill, Benjamin Pea- 
body, Jr., Joseph Saunders. Zachariah Weston, Jr. 

Town Officers for 1828 : Job Eastman. Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, David Nojes, Ezra F. Beal. 
Selectmen ; James Crockett. Collector. Paul Wentworth. of 
Greenwood, Representative. 

Valuation, |106,090. Number of polls 258 ; number of 
scholars 637. 

Highway tax. comm<sn roads, - $^1207,52 

Extra road tax. - - - 1524.G9 



Total highway tax, 


^2732,21 


State tax, _ _ _ - 


|220,15 


County tax, - - - - 


234,90 


Schools, - _ _ _ 


550,00 


Poor, and town expenses, 


450,00 


Overlaid in the assessments. 


69,64 


Delinquency of highway for 1827, 


44,11 



Total money tax, - - - {^1568,80 

New immigrants : Daniel Bullen, Joseph Cushman, Ros- 
'well Cummings, Luther Gillson, John Gurney, Rev. Benjamin 
B. Murray, Amos Work, Cyrus S. Cushman, James D. Saf- 
ford. Old settlers' sons : Moses Bradbury, William Frost. 
Jr., Levi Gorham, Simeon Herring, Charles Hill, Josepli 
Holt, Isaac Hall, Henry Noble, Jacob Parsons, Jr., Mark P. 
Smith, Samuel Flint, John Beal, Joseph Dolly, Jr. 

Town officers for ] 829 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; David Noyes, Thompson Hall, Nathan 
Noble, Jr., Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Uriah 
Holt, Representative. 

Valuation, ^106,253. Number of polls 271 ; number of 

scholars 600. 

Highway tax, common roads, - ^1248,26 

Extra roads, ' - - - 941,91 



Total highway tax, - - - $2190,17 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 133:-^ 

State tar, . - . . |220,15 

County tax, - - - . 260,98 

Schools, - . _ _ 550,00 

Poor, and town cliiU'ges, - - 500,00 

Building bridge, ovorlayings, kc, - 152,71 



Total money tax, - - - |1683,84 

New immigrants : Nathaniel K. Emery, Seba Gammon, 
William E. Goodnow, John Howard, Edmund Millett, William 
P. Phelps, Eben Rich, Jonathan Sawyer, Joseph Woodman, 
Harvey Wade. Old settlers' sons : Stephen Cummings, Jr., 
Andrew Case, Thomas J. Everett, Benjamin F. Hall, Joel 
Millett, Thcanas J. Needham, Isaac Parsons, J6hn Saunders, 
Ira Hobbs. 

This year, on the 7th of May, Solomon Millett, one of the 
old settlers, lost his barn by fire. He had a cow sick with, 
the horn distemper, and carried to the barn a kettle with some 
live coals in it in order to smoke the cow's head — producing 
a smoke by burning pieces of old shoes and woolen rags. Ho 
stepped out of the barn, leaving the kettle under the cow's 
nose ; by some means the fire extended beyond the kettle, and 
the barn Avas almost instantly in flames. He lost four oxen, 
eight cows, four three years old cattle, and two valuable 
horses, with several tons of hay and considerable grain : the 
young stock was fortunately in pasture. This was a severe, 
loss ; but many citizens cheerfully lent a helping hand, in 
labor and materials, towards erecting another larrre and com- 
modious barn, though but a trifle in comparison with his loss. 
Mr. Millett had always been a very laborious, prudent man, 
and by industry had accumulated a competence of this world's 
goods ; and for this reason his loss was not so distressing to 
him or his family as it would have been had he been in pooi- 
circumstances. 

On the 18th of April, this jeai*, Levi Frank, senior, aged 
63 years, was killed by falling into a cellar, while moving a 
house for John Parsons, Jr. The house stood on the farm 



134 HISTORY OF NORAVAYi 

■where Jacob Tubbs first purchased, on the Lee Grant, and 
Avas built by said Tubbs. Mr. Tubbs now sleeps in the silent 
grave, and his farm has had several proprietors, and is no-w 
owned by Joshua Richardson, Esq., of Portland, and improved 
by his son, Thomas H. Richardson ; it is one of the best 
firms in the town. Joshua Richardson has also recently pur- 
chased the farm above Nathaniel Bennett's, where William 
Gardner first commenced on the Lee Grant, as early as 1790; 
It is now a fine farm. It has had many different owners, but 
is now occupied by William P. Richardson, a son of the owner. 

Town officers for 1830 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Bmith, Treasurer; David Noyes, Thompson Hall, Nathan 
Noble, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. William Par- 
sons, Jr., Representative. 

Valuation, $107,915. Number of polls 274 ; number of 
scholars 620. 

Highway tax, common roads, - $1562.80 

Extra road tax, . _ - 519,78 



Total highway tax, - - - 


$2082,58 


State tax, _ _ - - 


$220.15 


County tax, - - - i 


260.98 


Schools, _ _ - _ 


700.00 


Poor, and town charges, 


550,00 


Overlaid in assessment, 


79,87 


Delinquency of highway, 


9,19 


Supplement added after assessment, 


13.90 



Total money tax, - - - $1834,15 

New immigrants : Ephraira Barrows. Hcmard Decostcr, 
Joseph Mitchell, Ethiel Stevens, Isaac Titcomb, Rodney Tit- 
comb, John C. Walker, Jeremiah Woodward, Dr. Nathaniel 
Grant, Zachariah Wardwell. Old settlers' sons : John Bird, 
Jr., William Cox, Jr., Amos Downing, Jr., William Everett, 
Silas Euller, Samuel Foster, Woodward W. Latham, Amos 
]Meriam, Seth Morse, Alonzo Morse, Ward Noyes, William 



HISTORY OP NORWAY. 135 

Stevens, Moses A. Stevens, John Tucker, Ansel Town, 
James Tubbs. 

In August, this year, John Parsons, Jr., lost his barn, well 
filled with hay, by its being struck with lightning, and set on 
fire. He then owned, and lived on the farm first purchased 
by Jacob Tubbs. The loss was considerable, especially in 
hay. His grain, fortunately, was still in the field. 

One other thing, happening this year, may be worthy of 
note. There probably was a greater addition made to Norway 
'\''illage, in the way of buildings, than in any other year since 
the settlement of the town. The three brick buildings in the 
central part of the Village were built this year, and many 
others of various kinds and for various uses, making the whole 
number thirty. 

In April, this year, Benjamin Witt, had his house burnt 
in the daytime — cause unknown. It was a large house, two 
stories in front, and one on the back side, and was decently 
finished. He lost considerable household stuff, as the fire 
•spread so rapidly there was little time to save the contents of 
the house. 

Town oflRcers for 1831 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer; Uriah Holt, Ichabod Bartlett, Nathan 
Noble, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. William Par- 
sons, Jr., Representative. 

Valuation, $109,236. Number of polls 263: number of 
scholars 651. 

Highway tax, common roads, - ^1569,96 

Extra roads. ;. - . 310,51 



Total highway tax, - - - p880,4T 

State tax, ... - $250,80 

County tax, - - - - 318.60 

Schools, ... - 675.00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 700,00 

For building river bridge, - - 400.00 

Overlay ings, delinquency of highway, 24.50 



136 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Supplement, _ _ _ (5,80 



Total money tax, - - - |2375,85 

New immigrants : Thomas Austin, Matthias Furlong, Ed- 
mund Phinney, William Gaines, David P. Hannaford, Na- 
thaniel Libbey, Alexander 11. Piper, Thomas Roberts, David 
Cilley. Old settlers' sons : Samuel Andrews, Jr., Rufus F. 
Beal, Charles Frost, Stephen Greenleaf, Jr., Alva Hobbs, 
Charles Tubbs, Abner Downing. 

This year, the citizens of Norway and vicinity celebrated 
the anniversary of our National Independence at Norway 
Village. In this celebration there was no political party 
known, and no political feelings were indulged — out loud — 
whatever individuals might think. Ezra F. Beal had, a short 
time before this, opened his new tavern, and furnished the 
dinner with the requisite trimmings — such as liquors, punch, 
wine, and beer. He did tlie thing up handsomely, and no 
fault found, nor was there occasion for any. 

The procession, after being formed, moved to the meeting- 
house, where the throne of grace was adili'essed by the Rev. 
B. B. Murray, the Declaration of Independence read by 
David Noyes, and an oration pronounced by Dr. J. S. ^lil- 
lett. The oration was chaste, classic, and eloquent, free from 
anythhig pointedly political, and appeared to be delivered with 
good feeling ; it was received Avith equal good feeling by a 
crowded audience. After the cloth was removed, the follow- 
ing thirteen regular toasts were drank amidst the roar of 
cannon, and the cheering strains of excellent music. 

1. — The 4/A of July — The birth-day of our Nation's 
Independence. May that spirit, which animated the Patriots 
of '70 to burst the bonds of tyranny and oppression, never 
cease to glow with increasing ardor in the bosoms of their 
offspring to the latest posterity. 

2. — The Constitution of the United States — Framed by 
the Heroes and Sages of the Revolution — may it long remaia 
a memento of theu* virtue, humanity, and patriotism. 



HISTORY OF NORAVAY. 137 

S.— The Union of the States — Distraction to the brain, 
and palsy to the arm, that woukl sever the weakest tie that 
binds us together. 

4. — Tlie yeomanry of Maine — A free government needs 
no otlier support than an enlightened community. 

5. — Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, and the Me- 
chanic Arts — The four grand pillars which support the fabric 
of our National Independence. 

6. — Our jNortheastern Boundary — Let Justice mark the 
line, and Yankee bravery establish it. 

7. — The memory of WASiiiX(iTOX — "' First in peace, first 
in war, first in the hearts of his countrymen." 

" He burst the fetters of our land, 

He taiiglit us to be free; 
He raised I he dicrnity of man, 

He bade a Nation be.'* \ 

And it was so. 

8. — General Lafayette— An her.ild proclaims before 
him, that he is the man that Freemen delight to honor. 

9. — The Heroes of the Revolution — Although most of 
them have withdrawn from the festivities of this day, yet 
their achievements are fresh in our memories. 

10. — American. Independence — The center of the great 
Solar System of civil and religious liberty. May its eftul- 
gence dispel the darkness of despotism and bigotry^ and light 
the flame of liberty throughout the universe. 

11. — Poland, and cdl other Nations struggling for 
lihcrly — May God speedily break the rod of the oppressor, 
and let the oppressed go free. 

V2.-—0ur Schools, Academies, and Colleges — The safe- 
guards of our liberties. 

13. — Our mothers and sisters, our loivcs and svcet- 
hearts — The nearest, dearest, and most beloved objects of our 
affections ; may they instil into the minds of our offspring, 
and youth, the love of virtue, liberty, and independence. 



138 HISTORY OF NORWAY* 

There were several volunteer sentiments offered, after tlic 
regular toasts : but by a previous arrangement, everything of 
the kind was penned down, and passed the ordeal of the com- 
mittee on toasts ; and if free from any obnoxious sentiments, 
was passed to the toast-master and given to the company. 
Thus everything went along in the utmost harmony, with 
nothing to ;V/r, or to mar, the good feelings that seemed to 
pervade the crowded tables. The writer happening to be 
toast-master at this grand celebration, has the original toasts 
in his possession, and thought it might amuse some readers to 
peruse such old, by-gone things. He finds inscribed on the 
old paper the following motto : " TJitu Men felt free.'''' 

Town officers for 1832 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; David Noyes, Ichabod Bartlett, Nathan 
Noble, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Ichabod 
Bartlett, Reprcssentative. 

Valuation, |115,697. Number of polls 278 ; number of 
scholars 657. 

Highway tax, common roads, ■- $1567,15 

Extra roads, - - - 520,29 



Total highway tax, - - - |2087,44 

State tax, - - - - |250,86 

County tax, - - - - 127,70 

Schools, . . - - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 500,00 

Overlayings, and delinquency of highway, 32,62 

Total money tax, - _ - |;1586,18 

New immigrants : Samuel Dunn, Joseph C. Green, James 
Hill, Asa Holt, Jonathan Martin, Anthony Martin, Ransom 
Kipley, Joseph S. Rounds, John M. "Wilson, William C. 
Whitney, Lee Mixer, Asia Eord. Old settlers' s sons : Rufus 
Briggs, Solomon Downing, Alpha B. Everett, Charles Gam- 
mon, Orin Hobbs, Richard W. Houghton, Charles Parsons, 
John Tucker; 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 13f> 

Town officers for 1833 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Uriah Holt, Jonathan SAvift. Elliot Smith, 
Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Ichabod Bartlett, 
Representative. 

Valuation, $116,374. Number of polls 302 : number of 
scholars 657. 

Highway tax, $2510,26. 

State tax, - ^ . - |250.8G 

County tax, - - - - 101,55 

Schools, _ - - _ 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 500,00 

Overlay ings, and delinquency of highway, 74,58 



Total money tax, - - - |1691,99 

New immigrants : Micah Allen, Austin Buck. Rufus 
Chadbourn, Richard Evans, William A. Evans, Columbus 
Holdcn, Perry D. Judkins, Emery Livermore, Thomas Mar- 
tin, John Martin, Levi Roberts, William Stanley, Hiram 
Stevens. John Tuttle, Ephraim Whitcomb, Augustus Wilkins. 
Isaac Wetherbee. Old settlers' sons : Lyman Bird, James 
Downing, William Frost, 3d, Simeon Frost, James French, 
jr.. Stephen Hall, Pleaman Holt, William W. Hobbs, Wilson 
Hill. Cyrus Lord, Noah Meriam, Henry Merrill, Eli Merrill. 
l)aniel L. Millett, Moses Parsons, Moses A. Stevens, Cephas 
Sampson. 

Town officers for 1834 : Job Eastman, Clerk : Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer : Jonathan Swift, Elliot Smith, John ^lil- 
lett, jr.. Selectmen : Henry W. Millett, Collector. Ichabod 
Bartlett, Representative. 

A^aluation, $119,570. Number of polls 309 ; number of 
scholars 687 : number of voters 355. 
Highway tax, $2017,70. 

State tax, - - - - $250,86 

County tax, - . - - 255,45 

Schools, - - - - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - -» 800,00 



140 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Overlayings, delinquency highway, supj^lemcnt, 97,01 



Total money tax, - - - |1578,31 

New immigrants : Joel Barrows, Titus 0. Brown, Gardner 
(Jhadbourn, Sampson Dunham, William Favor, Jotham Good- 
now, John Harmon. George Kimball, Joseph Morse, William 
H. H. McGillfry, Sumner Shed, Joshua B. Stuart, Benjamin 
Sturtevant, Daniel Thurston. David Whitcomb, EHianan 
Winchester, Jonathan Whitehouse, James Yeatten. Old set- 
tlers' sons : Hiram Stetson, Samuel Andrews, jr., Samuel 
Beal, Asa Hix, jr., Chandler F. Millctt, Henry L. Noyes, 
Simeon W. PiercCj Francis A. Reed, Lorenzo D. Shackley, 
William Witt. 

About the fore ];>art of May, this year, Pleaman Holt had 
a bam burnt, about 12 o'clock at night, with some hay, kc. 
in it. This fire was believed to be the work of an incendiary, 
but the thing was S'hrouded in so much mystery that the facts 
were never proved. 

Town officers for 1835 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Jonathan Swift, John jNlillett, jr., Henry 
W. Millett, Selectmen ; Jacob Bradbury, Collector. William 
Parsons, jr., Representative. 

Valuation, |129,949. Nunsber of polls 30G ; number of 
scholars 663. 

Highway tax, |2345,18. 

State tax, - - - . |250,8(> 

County tax, - - - - 255.45 

Schools, . - - - 675,0a 

Poor, and to^vn charges, - - 350.00 

Overlayings, delinquency highway, supplement, 42,44 

Total money tax, - - . - ,*|]573,75 

New immigrants : D^vight Avery, Pinkney Burnham, 

Ballard, Frederick Coultman, Isaiah Daily, Lyman 

Daniels, Jonas Eastman, Seth Philpot, Edmund Foster, Ricli- 
ard Garland, Ebenezcr Holmes, Hiram Harris, Augustus 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 141 

IlaiTis, Timothy Jordan, Charles Pcnley. John Pierce, Asu 
Tliayer, WiUiam Wilkins, Loren 11. Writsley, Azel Tuttlc. 
David R. Holden. Old settlers' sons : Benjamin Bird, Cad 
J. Blanchard, John Frost, jr., Amos T. Holt, John Hill, Na- 
than Morse, jr., William W. D. S. Millett, Ebenezcr J. Pottle. 
Mark S. Richardson, Uriah Upton, Amos F. Noyes, Wash- 
ington French, William Noble. 

On the 27th of April, 1835, Mr. David Whitcomh, for- 
merly of Waterford, was killed at Hall's saw-mill, hy logs 
rolling upon him. He was about 65 years of age, and had 
lived in NorAvay but a short time. Ephraim Whitcomb, a 
blacksmith, was his son, and came to Norway in 1833 ; he. 
has resided in town most of the time since, but died in Paris 
in 1851, of hemorrhage of the lungs. 

Town officers for 183(3 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; John Millett, jr., Simon Stevens, Cyrus 
Cobb, Selectmen ; Joseph Bennett, Collector. Henry "\V. 
Millett, Representative. 

Valuation, $127,607. Number of polls 306 ; number of 
scholars 664. 

Highway tax, $2547,76. 

County tax, - - - - $351,25 

Schools, - . . - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 350,00 

Additional sum afterwards raised for town charges, 200,00 
Oveilayings, delinquency highway, supplement, 66. 8T 

Total money tax, - - - $1643,12 

New immigrants : David M. Brown, William W. Berry, 
Elbridge G. Fuller, Jeremiah Howe, William Hall, jr., 
Francis Holden, Benjamin Holden, Addison A. Latham, John 
Martin, John Millett, 3d, Hezekiah Mclntier, Richard Mc- 
Intier, William Pratt, Samuel Pierce, James Yates, Richard 
Lombard. Old settlers' sons : Asa Packard, Ebenezer Ban- 
croft, jr., Samuel Crockett, Perley French, David 0. Holt, 
Jeremiah W. Hobbs, Seth Pike, William Pingree, jr.. Gran- 



1-42 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

vjlle L. Reed, James Shackley, Daniel G. Town, Jacob Tubbs^ 
Kimball Holt, Nathaniel Andrews. 

On the 5th (Jay of Feb., this year, Nathan Foster, one of 
the early settlers, died in a very sudden manner. He went 
to his barn about 9 o'clock, A. M., carrying with him some 
potatoes for his calves ; in a short time after, he was wanted, 
and when sent for, was found dead in his barn-yard. He 
had sometimes been subject to faint spells, and the probability 
is, that he was taken in one of his fainting fits, fell upon the 
icy yard, and was stunned by the fall, or died in a fit. He 
left a large family to mourn his sudden exit. 

Town officers for 1837: Job Eastman, Clerk; Joshua 
Smith, Treasurer ; Simon Stevens, Cyrus Cobb, Jonathan B. 
Smith, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Jonathan B. 
Smith, Representative. 

Valuation, |123,719. Number of polls 322 ; number of 
scholars 723. 

Highway tax, $3094,17. 

County tax, - - - ^ |383,17 

Schools, - - - _ 675,00 

Overlaid in the assessment, - - 46.13 

Delinquency of highway, - - 23.70 

Supplement, _ . _ 34,66 



Total money tax, - - - $1162,66 

New immigi'ants : Titus 0. Brown, jr., Ebenezer CroAvell, 
John Deering, Timothy H. Hutchinson, Edwin F. Hutchin- 
son, Ebenezer N. Holmes, Erastus Hilbourn, Richard M. 
Jordan, Peter Knight, Asa McAllister, John McAllister, 
George J. Ordway, Timothy Smith, Rev. Charles Soulo, 
John B. Stowell, Samuel Stowell, Cyinis S. Thayer, William 
A^errill, Silas W. Bumpus, Rev. Reuben Milner. Old set- 
tlers' sons : George W. Cox, Luther F. Foster, Timothy J. 
Frost, James S. Greenleaf, Samuel Hill, Eben C. Shackley, 
Francis Upton, jr., David F. Young, Joel S. Frost, George 
W. Everett. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 143 

This year, a town census was taken on account of the sur- 
plus revenue. The inhabitants, of all ages, numbered 1791. 
The first instalment was loaned in sums of f 25 to $50 ; the 
second instalment was loaned in smaller sums of $10 ; and 
after the legislature passed an act giving towns the power to 
distribute the money, the town, or a large part of it, was 
anxious for the distribution, and it accordingly took place — 
the sum averaging $2 per head, besides the expense. It was 
quite an unnatural measure for government to distrilmte money 
to the jjeople, while the government is supported hi/ the 
people. 

On the 4th of July, this year, Bradley Foster, aged 13 
years, was drowned. There Avas a sort of celebration in the 
adjoining town of Greenwood, and he, with other boys, went 
to participate in the recreations of the day. A company of 
boys resorted to a mill-pond for the purpose of bathing, and 
])y some mishap he got into too deep water, and drowned be- 
fore he could be rescued. He was the son of Nathan Foster, 
jr., and grandson of Nathan Foster, sen. His father died on 
the 19th of Jan., this same year, and his grandfather was 
found dead in his barn-yard on the 5th of Feb., 1836. The 
mother of the unfortunate boy still remains a widow, and 
resides in the city of Lowell, as also do several of her 
children. 

Town officers for 1838 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Henry Rust, 
Treasurer ; Simon Stevens, Jonathan B. Smith, John Whit- 
mai-sh, Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Elliot Smith, 
Representative. 

Valuation, |115,924. Number of polls 325; number of 
scholars 726. 

Highway tax, $2092,49. 

County tax, - - -' - | 388,17 

Schools, ... - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 1000.00 

For building town-house, - - 500,00 



144 HISTOEY OF NOEWAY. 

Overlajjngs. delinquciiej liighwaj. supplement, 126,81 



Total money tax, - - - ^2684,98 

New immigrants : Daaiel H. Blake. Salmon Cushman, 
Alonzo Curtis, Gilman Davis, Walter B. Drew, Charles 
Gardner, Timotliy Hodgdon, Lorenzo HathaMa}''. John Howe. 
Jacob Herrick, James Haskell, Josiali Libby, Lewis Mixer, 
Ward Mclntier, Samuel Partridge, Joseph Richardson, Rev. 
Luke P. Rand, Stephen Rowe, David Sanborn, George W. 
Smith, Daniel B. Sawjer, Dr. Leander S. Tripp, Amos Pu- 
rington, Ephraim Brown, jr. Old settlers' sons : John 
Bancroft, Amos W. Briggs, William Briggs, Joshua Frost. 
John Gallison, William Hill, William Knight, Henry Love- 
joy, Solomon I. Millett, Nathan K. Noble, George W. Parsons, 
Moses A. Young, Daniel H. Buck, Simon P. Everett. 

This year, the town built a suitable house in which to luild 
town-meetings, and for other toAvn business. After the erec- 
tion of the Congregational meeting-house by Maj. Jonathan 
Cummuigs, the town-meetings were held in <that building ; but 
they made rather dirty work in the house, and some fault was 
found — probably not Avithout reason ; so the town concluded 
to build a house for its especial use. There Avas some excite- 
ment on the question of a place for the house ; but the 
committee chosen for the purpose of selecting a central and 
convenient spot, selected the site now occupied, on the land of 
David Noyes, and he gaA^e the land free to the toAvn for so 
long a time as the house shall be used exclusiA'ely for the 
transaction of town business. 

ToAvn officers for 1839 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Henry Rust, 
Treasurer ; Simon Ste\'ens, John AVhitmarsh, Henry C. Reed, 
Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Elliot Smitli, Rep- 
resentative. 

Valuation, |114,968. Numbei* of polls 318 ; number of 
.scholars 717. 

JSighway tax, $2218,99. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 145 

County tax, - - - - $ 348,62 

Schools, - _ - - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 1000,00 

Overlayings, delinquencj highway, supplement, 89,12 



Total money tax, - - - ia;2112,74 

New immigrants : William Bishee, Alva York, Caleb 
Cushman, Alvan Clifford, Henry Clifford, James F. Carter. 
John Coffin, Alvan Dinsmore, Ara S. Fuller, Isaac Farring- 
ton. Mark S. Grover, Saunders Kimball, Magnus Ridlon. 
Moses Swan, Samuel Whitney. Old settlers' sons : David 
Andrews, Asaph Bird, Henry L. Crockett, Hiram Everett. 
David Frost, William Lord, Jr., James Lassell, Leonard 
Young, Jacob F. Holt. 

On the 15th day of June, this year, John S. Shed's house 
was burnt ; cause of the fire unknown. Mr. Shed was ab- 
sent, about one mile distant, and did not get home in time to 
do anything towards saving the contents of the house. The 
house was 28 feet by 36, the outside ay ell finished, and a con- 
siderable part of the inside ; it was rather a hard loss for the 
owner. His father, who was killed in 1818, in raising N. P. 
Shed's house, built the house in 1806, on the farm where he 
first began in 1788. 

Town officers for 1840 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Henry Rust, 
Treasurer ; Simon Stevens, Henry C. Reed, Solomon Noble, 
Selectmen ; James Crockett, Collector. Simon Stevens. 
Representative. 

Valuation, •|;116,887. Number of polls 321 ; number of 
scholars 713 ; number of inhabitants, by the census, 1786. 

Highway tax, common roads, - $1881,84 

Extra roads, - - - 528,11 



Total highway tax, - - - $2409,95 

State tax, . - - - |487,60 

County tax, - - - - 196,18 

Schools, . - - - 675,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 2500,00 
10 



146 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Overlay ings in assessment, - - 112,95 

Delinquency of highway, and supplement, 55,73 

Total money tax, - - - ■ $4027,46 

Now I hope our good citizens, and others, wo n't be startled 
at our enormous tax for this year, as the town then purchased 
a farm for its poor, which cost $1110, with several; hundreds, 
of dollars additional for repairs of buildings, furniture, stock, 
and farming implements ; besides all this, the town incurred 
considerable expense in 1839 in fitting out the soldiers for the 
Madawaska war, which left the treasury rather low at the 
commencement of 1840. 

New immigrants : Dcpleura Bisbee, Benjamin Cummings, 
Archibald B. Ward, Charles Cushman, William Coleman, 
Thomas Ellis, Jonathan IMerrow, Horsley Shed, Winslow 
Kamsdale, Reuel Shaw, Theodore Verrill, Joshua H. Whit- 
ney, John Davis. Old settlers' sons : Daniel Bancroft, 
Ephraim S. Crockett, Samuel P. Frost, Robert Hall, Brad- 
bury C. A. Pingree, Amos Upton, Jr., Joseph Eastman, 
Lewis H. Hobbs, Perez B. Latham. 

In December, this year, there was a small fire in the Vil- 
lage. Daniel Holt's blacksmith shop was burnt in the night 
time, and his coal-house adjoining, or very near, was also 
burnt ; the wind being westerly, no other buildings wero 
injured. Loss not very great, or distressing, but yet it caused 
considerable loss and inconvenience to the owner. 

Early in the fall, 1840, widow Esther IMillett lost her barn 
and its contents by fire. The cause of the fire ought to be a 
caution to all hoys, and men, too, about discharging guns in 
or about their buildings. One of her boys seeing a squirrel 
on the barn, running along under the eaves, got his gun and 
shot the poor little animal ; and probably some part of the 
wad passed through a crack between the boards, and was un- 
noticed at the time, but shortly after the brrn was discovered 
in flames. Mrs. IMillett, in May, 1826, lost her huslmnd, in 



HISTOP.Y OF XOEWAr. J4» 

the full vigor of manhood, agej 40 years, and had ,vith un 
common fortUude and industry encountered all the hi 2wp 
and ™onven.ences of a ,vidowed hfc; she had nobly sue 

t:^h:,seT\'" '^"''^ "'" f"™' '"Sether, and Jished 
a new house ,vh,eh was partly built whes her husband died • 
yet she was not exempted from this heavy loss. The nert 

st^^Kes ° " "'' '™^ f"™' " S"«' ^"-^m- 

Jrer*if r'V J»''E-'-».CIerk; Elliot Smith, 
lett Seleetmen. Snnon Stevens, Representative. 
schI;:^rS.'"''''-" ^-^--fl^^lO^numberof 

1262,10 

Total highway ta.., . . . ^.3^^ 

btate tax, - _ 

County ta\' - " " " «*^720,91 

Schools, '' - : " - 282,08 

Poor, and town charges, ." " -iln^^'an 

Overlayincrs ^ ' " 1500,00 

Mnquencj of highway, - . ^^'^^ 

feupplement added after assessment, - qqIq^ 

Total nioney tax, - . . ^.7^ 

On the 12th day of Sept., the town voted to ^aise money 
fo makmg the new County road from Ford's Corner to Otis- 
he d Ime-the road to be let out in small sections to the lowest 
^^1 T '^T- ''"^ r' ^^<^OTdinglj assessed, amounting to 
^l-b.,lb. This made a largo addition to the already heavy 
money tax, making the whole for this year $4600,20. The 
Toad was made that fall, and has proved a very useful one. 

^ew m^migrants : Isaac Abbott, Ephraim II. Brown. James 
mk, Hichard Jackson, Noah Jordan, Aruna Judkins, Dean 



148 HISTORY OF NOR"\YAY. 

A. Kilgorc, William Kellej, Alexander Libbj, Joseph Tur- 
ner, Eugene Upton, Simeon Walton, Nathan Hathaway, 
Moses Hanscum, James N. Hall. Old settlers' sons : Joseph 
It. Ames, Benjamin G. Barrows, Hiram W. Deering, Henry 
Upton, Jonathan G. Noble. 

The first new immigrant mentioned this year is Isaac Ab- 
bott. I speak of him here because I find his name on the 
tax list, but I hope his tax was abated. He came into the 
town in 1808, and has lived here mostly since, but a part of 
the time in Oxford. He has been a very unfortunate man, 
and is deserving the sympathy of all who possess the proper 
feelings of humanity. His father, with a large family, emi- 
grated from Andover, Mass., to East Andover, (as it was 
then called) in Maine, probably about 1800. The place was 
then new, with but few settlers. About the winter of 1804, 
a family wished to move from East Andover to Errol, N. H., 
on the west side of Umbagoo; lake ; and Isaac Abbott, then a 
very active, vigorous young man, went to drive an ox-team, 
among others, for the conveyance of the household goods and 
family. There was little, or no road through Letter B town- 
ship, and they had to cross Umbagog lake with their teams. 
On their return home, they found the water had risen over 
the ice ; they were overtaken by a violent storm and cold 
squalls, Avhich completely hid the poor track ; they were 
almost lost in the storm, and the whole company came very 
near perishing on the lake. They finally unyoked their oxen, 
and succeeded in getting out to a settlement with their lives 
spared. Mr. Abbott was frozen in a shocking manner, having 
}x)th feet, nearly, or quite, to his ancles, frozen hard ; and 
traveled for several miles, after his feet were hard as ice, by 
liolding to the tail of a gentle ox. He was conveyed home, 
and after intense pain and suffering, had both feet amputated 
at the ancles ; but the thing was proba1))y not very skillfully 
done ; he suffered a long time, and finally, before his legs 
could be healed up, he underwent a second amputation of both 



niSTOPwY OF NORWAY. l4f^ 

legs about eight inches below the knees. After the last am- 
putation, his stumps healed up sound, and he ever since ha.>5' 
walked on his knees, and has, wonderful to relate, performed 
much hard labor. A few years after his legs were amputated 
the last time, he married a daughter of Asa Lovejoy, (one of 
the early settlers on the Waterford three tiers,) and has 
brought up a family of several children. 

I ought to have noticed, in the account of 1840, that Baker 
Ames had a son, John Ames, drowned in the mill-pond, above 
the Village mills ; he went upon the ice to play, with other 
boys, and broke through, and before help could be procured, 
sank to rise no more. He was drowned Dec. 4, 1840, aged 
nine years. 

There have been several very narrow escapes from drowning 
in the pond, by venturing upon ice when not strong enough to 
be safe. About 1833, on thanksgiving day, Ephraim S. 
Crockett, a son of Ephraim Crockett, Avho lives on the east 
side of the pond, nearly opposite the writer's farm, thinking 
to have a fine time skating on the ice, crossed the head of the 
pond to D. Noyes', and Claudius A. Noyes, then about twelve 
years of age, went Avith him to particij)ate in the amusement 
of skating. They skated awhile, and growing more venture- 
some, went near the middle of the pond, Avhen Crockett broke 
in, and could not get upon the ice again, as when he attempted 
to spring upon it, it wtuild break, Avithout assisting him from 
the Avater. In this dilemma, C. A. Noyes, although but a 
small boy, told him to hold upon the edge of the ice, and ho 
would soon help him ; he then skated quickly to the shore, 
and took a long, slim pole from a fence, and going, Avithin the 
length of the pole, to the other boy, he laid himself down on 
the ice, and reached him the small end, Avhich he grasped 
tightly, and giving a smart spring, was pulled out of the 
water, and di'aAvn to Avhere the ice Avas strong enough to bear 
them. They had had skating enough for one thanksgiving. 
James Bennett, about the same year, broke tlirougli the ice 



150 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

"wliile skaling, and being alone, came very near drownings 
He kept trying to spring upon the ice, which continued break- 
ing, until it was broken to a place strong enough to hold him 
up, when he succeeded in getting from the water, but was 
nearly chilled to death. He says that was a sujficiency of 
skating for him. 

Town officers for 1842 : Job Eastman, Clerk ; Elliot Smith, 
Treasurer ; Henry C. Reed, Solomon Noble, Ichabod Bart- 
lett, Selectmen. Benjamin Tucker, Jr., Representative. 

Valuation, $154,018. Number of polls 300 ; number of 
scholars 690. 

Highway tax, |2615,38. 

State tax, - - - . ^720,91 

County tax, - - - - ' 314,43 

Schools, . - - . 750,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 600,00 

Overlayings, _ _ _ 79,99 

Delinquency of highway, and supplement, 50,13 



Total money tax, _ _ _ $2515,46 

New immigrants : Elias Adams, Nathaniel G. Bacon, Isaac 
Bolster, Alfred P. Burnell, Henry R. Cushman, Caleb Her- 
sey, Jacol) Herrick, James M. Lewis, Bartle Perry, Gardner 
Rowe, William Stowell, Elias Stowell, Rev. Timothy J. Ten- 
ney, Foster Wentworth. Old settlers' sons : Steadman 
Bennett, Joshua B. Crockett, Calvin L. Herring, Samuel 
Lord, 2d, Edwin Morse, Edward H. L. Morse, Israel D. llil- 
lett, David B. Noyes. 

This year, on the 18th day of March, Col. John Millett's 
house was burnt, and but little saved from it. It was a good 
farm-house, and the loss large. Origin of the fire unknown. 

Town officers for 1843 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; Elliot 
Smith, Treasurer ; Jonathan Swift, John Parsons, Jr., Beii- 
jamin Tucker, Jr., Selectmen; George J. Ordway, Collector. 
Classed with Oxford, and John J. Perry, of Oxford, Reprc^ 
sentativCi , 



niSlORY OF NORWAY. 151 

Valuation, |150,312. Number of polls 347 ; number of 
^scholars 713. 

High^yay tax, |3610,01. 

State tax, - - - . $720,91 

County tax, - - - - 262,02 

Schools, - . - . 750,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 800,00 

To build bridge pier, - - 50,00 

Overlayings, dehnquencj highway, supplement, 134,84 

Total money tax, - - - |2717,77 

New immigrants ; William Andrews, Solomon Cloudman, 
Adna C. Denison, Moses G. Dow, Samuel Favor, Elhanan 
W. Fyler, Thomas Higgins, Nathaniel 0. Hicks, Darius 
Holt, 3d, Ezekiel Jackson, William Hutchins, John Wood- 
man, Edmund S. Dean. Old settlers' sons : Ebenezer Ban- 
croft, Jr., Levi Bartlett, Wilham Buck, Churchill Cobl), 
Nathan M. Crockett, Eliab Frost, Cornelius Hobbs, Lyman 
Hobbs, Ora Hix, Solomon S. Hall, Jeremiah Hall, Stephen 
Hall, William Merrill, Benjamin Marston, Claudius A. Noyes, 
Simon Stevens, 2d, Oren TubbSj William Upton. Daniel M. 
Young. 

This year will ever be memorable in the annals of Norway, 
on account of the destmction of Esquire Eastman's dwelling 
house by fire, and the records of the town from the time of 
its incorporation. It is supposed, but not certainly known, 
that the fire communicated to the house from ashes in the 
wood-house. When the fire was discovered, the inmates had 
not a moment to spare, but maide their escape by the back 
tloor, which had not been used for the winter. They got out 
with nothing on them but their night-clothes. Esquire East- 
man was then about 93 years old, quite unwell, and could 
hardly walk in the house ; the snow was four feet deep from 
the door to the road, with a fence to be got over in the way. 
Mrs. Eastman, with almost superhuman strength, dragged 
him through snow nearly up to her arms, put him over tlie 



152 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

fence, and got him into the barn-yard, as much from the -wind 
as possible, and then Avrapped him in a coverlet, Tvhich she 
had fortunately dragged from the bed with her husband. Ann 
A. Shaw, a granddaughter of Mrs. Eastman, about fifteen 
yeai'S of age, escaped in the same nude condition as the others, 
and rendered her grandmother all the assistance in her power. 
They were exposed to the severe cold for a considerable time. 
The fire Avas at length discovered from jVIr. William llobbs' — 
the alarm being given by old j\Irs. Richardson — when his boys 
hastened to the scene of distress. As soon as they arrived at 
the burning house, one of them ran home, hastened back with 
a horse and sleigh, and carried the family to Mr. Hobbs' in a 
piteous condition. Mrs. Eastman's feet were shockingly 
frozen ; and as soon as the frost was out, they were a com- 
plete blister nearly to her ancles, excepting tlie upper parts. 
The girl was considerably frozen, but nothing compared to 
Mrs. Eastman. Esf|uirc Eastman was very much chilled, 
but his Avife had wrapped him in the coverlet so closely that 
he sot frozen but a little. For more than a month Mrs. East- 
man was unable to. walk, or stand ; but by good care she at 
length entirely recovered,*aud has, till recently, been able, 
and willing, to perform much labor for an old lady. But on 
the evening of Feb. 13, 1852, she met with another affliction : 
she accidentally fell upon the floor and injured her hip, so 
tliat she is entirely confined to her bed. How long her lame- 
ness will continue is uncertain, but the writer hopes not long. 
The name and services of Job Eastman, for many, many 
years, were as fixmiliar as household words to almost every 
man, woman, and chikl, in the town of Norway. After the 
incorporation of the town, Joshua Smith Avas tOAvn Clerk dur- 
ing two years, and in 1803, Joseph Rust was Clerk one year ; 
Job Eastman filled the office all the other years until 1843. 
He was first Selectman, and toAvn Treasurer, for nine years 
after the tOAvn was incorporate! ; and Avas an acting Justice 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 153 

of tlie Peace from 1797 until liis deatli, Avliich took place 
Feb. 28', 1845, at the age of 95 years. 

Mark S. Richardson and -wife, with one young child, and 
his mother, lived in the west end of Esquire Eastman's house- 
at the time of the fire. They escaped by the front-door with 
much less danger and difficulty than the Eastman family. 

In the spring of this year, there was a remarkable freshet, 
which flooded many cellars, and carried ofi" many bridges. 
Ephraim BroAvn then owned the old grist-mill at the Steep 
Falls, below the Village, and it was swept away by the flood ; 
his peg manufactory, also, shared the fate of the mill. 

By a request to the Selectmen, there was a special town- 
meeting" called on the Saturday previous to the first Monday 
in May, for the purpose of instructing the town authorities in 
regard to licensing suitable persons to sell spirituous liquors 
for medicinal and mechanical purposes. The meeting was 
rather thin, but the Selectmen were instructed to license no 
person, except the town Clerk and town Treasurer, to sell for 
the above purposes ; and the profits, after paying the expense 
of selling, to go into the town treasury for supporting the 
poor. What the profits amounted to, is as yet unknown to 
the town, as no report has been made. 

A very melancholy afiau* happened in this town on the 
evening of the Gth of October, 1843. Mr. Dresser Stevens, 
next-door-neigh]jor to the writer, as is very common among 
farmers, made a husking for the evening, and invited his 
neighbors to assist him. In, the course of the evening, some 
rather rude joking was indulged in by a portion of the com- 
pany at the expense of a youngster named Iliram Totherly, 
and his making rather a tart reply irritated the feelings of a 
few present, Avhich caused htird words between, the parties. 
At the close of the husking, Ebenezer Hobbs made an assault 
on Totherly, and they soon closed in with each other, and 
both fell on the floor in the squabble ; Totherly, with liis 
jack-knife, stabbed Ilobbs in many placeSj and a wound just 



154 HISTORY Ot XORWAY. 

^ovei' the collar-bone, proved mortal. The affray took place 
about eleven o'clock on Friday night, and he died near five 
o'clock Saturday morning. Totherly Avas immediately ai-rest- 
ed, and the nexttlay committed to jail. At the following May 
term of the Supreme Judicial Court, he had his trial, but was 
not convicted, the jury not agreeing. The fii'st indictment 
by the grand jury was for murder ; but at the October term 
the case was put to the grand jury a second time, and a bill 
was found against him for manslaughter. The next spring 
he had a second trial, was convicted of manslaughter, and 
sentenced by the Court to one year's imprisonment in the 
County jail. After the expiration of his imprisonment, he 
went to Portland, and finally enlisted as a soldier in the j\Iex- 
ican war, where lie was wounded, and died in a hospital. 
But I forbear to enlarge upon the subject, lest it should open 
afresh the deeply-wounded feelings of relatives and others. 
The mild sentence of the Court very plainly shows that they 
did not think all the blame ought to be attributed to him. 
Both the youngsters were about eighteen years of age at the 
time of this sad tragedy. 

Town officers for 1844 : Simon Stevens, Clerk : James 
Crockett, Treasurei*; Jonathan Swift, William Parsons, Jr., 
Mark P. Smith, Selectmen; George J. Ordway, Collector. 
Jonathan Swift, Representative. 

Valuation, $153,173. Number of polls 321 ; number of 
scholars 667. 

Highway tax, $2039,05. 

State tax, - - - - $540,68 

County tax, - _ - - 374,26 

Schools, - - - - 750,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 900,00 

Overlayings, delinquency highwa}', supplement, 119,78 

Total money tax, •- - - $2684,72 

New immigrants : Noble Blossom, James Blossom, Ira 
Berry, Levi T. Boothby, America Bri'ggs. John A. Bolster, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 155 

Benjamin Robbins, Thomas G. Brooks, James Dow, Peter B. 
Frost, Samuel Favor, Joseph Ilaniford, Edward Higgins, 
Bobert Noyes, William D. Paine, Beuben S. Rich, Amos 
Thurlow, Daniel Whitehouse, Charles Walton, Oren Will)ur. 
Old settlers' sons : David R. Everett, Joseph Hor, Henry IT. 
Hobbs, Lorenzo D. Hobbs, George W. Knight, Newton Swift. 
In the fall of this year, Richard W. Houghton's house, 
near the Steep Falls, was burnt ; origin of the fire unknown. 
Also, on the night of the 10th of Nov., Holden's mills, on 
Crooked river, were burnt ; origin of the fire unknoAvn, but 
thought by many to be the work of an incendiary. 

Town officers for 1845 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; James 
Crockett, Treasurer; William Parsons, Jr., Mark P. Smith, 
Henry W. Millett, Selectmen; George J. Ordway, Collector. 
Mark P. Smith, Representative. 

Valuation, |165,701. Number of polls 330 ; number of 
scholars 664. 

Highway tax, |1592,29. 

State tax, - . - - $489,33 

County tax, - - - - 322,63 

Schools, _ - _ . 750,00 

Poor, and toAvn charges, - - 700,00 

Overlayings, delinquency highway, supplement, 90.10 

Total money tax, - - - $2352,06 

New immigrants : Jairus Bryant, Zachary Carey, Aaron 
Chandler, John Davis, Johnson Edwards, William Evans, 
Wilham Howe, David McAllister, Samuel L. Preble, John 
Penley, Joshua Richardson, David Rowe, Benjamin Wade. 
Daniel Stone, Moses Town. Old settlei-s' sons : Edmund 
Ames, Albion Buck, Cyrus Cobb, Jr., Robert I. Frost, Sam- 
uel Lord, Jr., Orren F. Millett, Ebenezer Marston, Prescott L. 
Pike, Daniel Pike, Otis Stevens, Francis H. Whitman, 
George P. Whitney. 

This year seems rather remarkable for the record of many 
deaths of the early settlers of this town. Among those who 



156 HISTORY OF XORWAT. 

died "were Deacon William Parsons, aged 85 years, Benjamin- 
Herring, 84, Josiali Hill, 80, Job Eastman, 95, Mrs. Asa 
Hix, 64, Mrs. Peter Town, 59, Mrs. Joseph Bradbury, 79. 
Daniel Watson, 83, John Frost, 77, Jashua Crockett, son of 
Joshua Crockett, the old settler, 54, Mrs. ^Mary Hall, 51 ; 
and many others. 

Town officers for 1846 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; James 
Crockett, Treasurer ; Mark P. Smith, Henry W. Millett. 
Simeon Noble, Selectmen ; Henry W. Millett, Collector. 
Isaac A. Thayer, Oxford, Representative. 

Valuation, |172,036. Number of polls 320 ; number of 
scholars 714. 

Highway tax, $2356,24. 

State tax, _ _ . - $652,44 

County tax, - - - - 322.65 

Schools, _ _ . . 750^00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 500,00 

Over layings, delinquency highway, supplement, 129,64 



Total money tax, - - - $2354,73 

New immigrants : Levi B. Abbott, James Corson, Ebenezer 

Carsley, Alva B. Davis, Ebenezer P. Fitz, Jameson Gammon. 

Edwin Plummer, Reuben Penley, Ansel Ross, Amos Smith. 

Joseph Tuttle, Joshua Weeks. Old settlers' sons : Cyrus 

W. Buck, Mahalon Crockett, Milton W. Hobbs, Oliver A. 

Hall, Samuel S. INlillett, John H. Millett, William Marston, 

Stephen Merrill', Osgood Perry, John I. Pike, Jonathan (I. 

Town, Albion Hall. 

Town officers for 1847 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; Ebenezer 

C. Shackley, Treasurer; Henry W. Millett, Henry C. Reed. 

Solomon Noble, Selectmen ; Henry W. Millett, Collector. 

Simeon Noble, Representative. 
Yaluation, $182,039. Number of polls 327 ; number of 

scholars 668. 

Highway tax, common roads, - $1042,54 

Extra roadsj - - - 1 042,5 4 

Total highway tax, - - - $2085,08 



HISTORY OF XORWAY. 157 

State tax, - . . - $326,22 

County tax, - - - - 322,65 

Schools, - _ - _ 750,00 

Poor, and tOAvn cliargcs, - - 900,00 

Overlajings and supplement, - - 50,19 



Total money tax, - - - $2349,00 

New immigrants : Thomas Blake, Jairus S. Chipman, 
Charles Callahan, Sumner Frost, John S. French, Edwin W. 
Howe, Ebenezer P. Hinds, Charles Kendall, Clark Knight, 
James PI. Merrill, Franklin Manning, Rev. Charles Packard, 
Horace Paine, Clemens Randal, Jonathan Richards, Levi 
Thayer, Thomas Thorn. Old settlers' sons : George L. Beal, 
James H. Cox, Barzilla S. Cobb, David B. Crockett, David 
W. Frost, Osgood French, William H. Foster, Daniel Holt, 
8d, Isaac Jordan, Levi W. Pingree, Lewis Shackley, George 
Wilkins. 

On the 12th of April, this year, Joseph York, Jr., a young 
man employed in the saw-mill at the Steep Falls, received a 
death-blow, by accident. He was assisting in placing a log 
upon the mill-carriage, and by some means a handspike was 
wrenched from his grasp, one end of which struck him upon 
the right side of the abdomen, producing mortal injury inter- 
nally. He survived the accident from Monday afternoon till 
Thursday morning. 

On the morning of the 18th of November, this, year, Cyrus 
Cobb, Esq., met an untimely death by a fall in his barn. He 
went to his barn for the purpose of feeding his cattle, and 
went np over the beams to throw down hay, when a board 
gave way and precipitated him into the barn-floor, killing him 
instantly, as was supposed, his neck being broken by the fall. 
This was a severe loss to his family, and also to the commu- 
nitj. as he was a very industrious and useful man. The- 
family still feel as though their loss was irreparable. He was 
the son of Ebenezer Cobb, Avho was among the early settlers 
of this town, and lived on the old homestead of liis fathev. 



158 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Town officers for 1848 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; Ebenezer 
C. Shackley, Treasurer; Henry W. Millett, Henry C; Reed, 
Solomon Noble, Selectmen ; Samuel Favor, Collector. Ben- 
jamin Richards, Oxford, Representative. 

Valuation, $193,575. Number of polls 363 ; number of 
scholars 752. 

Highway tax, $1042,41. 

State tax, - - - . $ 652,44 

County tax, - - _ - 376,43 

Schools, - - - . 750,00 

Poor, building roads, and other town charges, 2700.00 
Overlayings and supplement, - 52.38 



Total money tax, - - - $4531,25 

New immigrants : Elbridge G. Allen, James M. Abbott, 
James C. Bennett, Philander Barnes, Hosea B. Bisbce, Charles 
D. Bisbee, William Blake, Moses B. Bartlett, D. H. Blake, 
Cyrus W. Brown, William M. Cushman, Job Cushman, Be- 
^aleel Cushman, Leander Dorman, Albert B. Davis, Luke 
rietcher, Jonathan Fairbanks, Charles. L. Francis, Freeman 
Higgins, Danforth Jordan, Joseph Judkins, Charles P. Kim- 
ball, Joseph A. Kendall, Amos T. Murphy, Ransom Morton, 
James P. Morton, John W. Noble, Charles Newhall, Peter 
C. Putnam, Isaac Pressey, Asa H. Phinney, Edwin F. Quinby, 
Alfred Raymond, Alfred Shattuck, Orsamus Smiley, Israel, 
Swett, George W. Seaverns, John G. Swett, Jonathan M. 
Smiley, William Stone, Otis True, Ephraim H. Wood, John 
Walton, William Walton, G. B. Wentworth, Joseph Whitman, 
George J. Wardwell, Joseph Wilson. Old settlers' sons : 
Joseph Bullen, Isaac Bartlett, Benjamin Dale, Levi Frost, 
William P. French, Jonathan Holt, Cornelius W. Hobbs, 
Lewis Lovcjoy, Theodore L. Lasscll, Coleman F. Lord, Hiram. 
Lovejoy, Ceylon Watson. 

This year there was a great accession to the number of new 
immigrants, in conseqence of the railroad operations ; and if 
they can all get a good living, and make money, or other- 



HISTOKY OF NORWAY, 159 

property, wo bid them welcome ; but the old settlers havo 
always found it necessary to attend closely to some regular 
business, and I guess the new ones vfill find the same course, 
eventually, for their permanent interest. 

Town officers for 1849 : Simon Stevens, Clerk : Ebenezer 
C. Shackley, Treasurer ; Mark P. Smith, Henry W. Millett, 
Solomon Noble, Selectmen ; Ansel lloss. Collector. Henry 
C. Reed, Representative. 

Valuation, $200,982. Number of polls 309 ; number of 
scholars 742. 

Highway tax, <|1245,55. 

State tax, - - , . | 652,44 

County tax, - - -, - 484,91 

Schools, - - . - 750,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 1150,00. 

Overlayings and supplement, - 153,55 

Total money tax, - - - |3190,90 

NoAV immigrants : James Anderson, A. A. Adams, G. H. 
Barnard, David N. Cushman, Rev. E. K. Colby, S. T. But- 
ton, David P. Flood, Eli Grover, L. D. Foster, William 
Hutchins, Benson Hawkins, Abner Jackson, John Johnson, 
William W. Kimball, George Kimball, Joseph Lovejoy, Jon- 
athan Ryerson, Thomas Richardson, George W. Stevens, 
Samuel Sumner, Joshua B. Stuart, G. E. Shattuck, Clark 
P. True, Charles Thompson, John F. True, George Hum- 
phrey, Henry B. Upton, William W. Virgin. Old settlers' 
sons : John D. Bcal, Josiah Danforth, George A. Frost, Jon- 
athan S. Millett, 2d, Edwin Millett, Washington Noyes, Noah 
Pike, Henry S. Small, Edwin Stetson, Ezra Shackley, Wil- 
liam B. Upton. 

Early in the morning of March 31, 1849, the store of 
Moses A. Young Avas discovered to be on fire. The store was 
saved, but the goods (a small stock) were considerably injured. 
by fire, smoke, and water. The origin of the fire yet remains, 
unknown. 



IGO HISTORY OF XORWAY. 

On the i^lst of June, this year, Uriah Holt, Esq., died. 
His sickness was very short, about four or five days ; his dis- 
order was gravel, combined "with other complaints. His family 
felt their loss severely, as Avell as the neigliborhood and town. 
He had been in town ofnce much, from the time he came into 
Norway, and was a very correct man in any business which 
he undertook. I must be pardoned if I indulge my own feel- 
ings a little in regard to his death. We had been associated 
much in business from 1811 up to the time of his death, and 
many times on important affairs ; and, whether owing to liis 
disposition, or mine, or both, we never had the first word of 
disagreement in any of our business. I was with him through 
the most of his last sickness, and with a heavy heart performed 
the last sad offices due to an old friend. His wife, Hannah 
Holt, who had been a youthful companion of my own wife, 
previous to the marriage of either, died of consumption, Feb. 
4th, 1835. 

Almost everybody, in this vicinity, knows that old Uriah 
Holt and old David Noyes have been practical surveyors for 
many years ; and from this circumstance, we were much to- 
gether in such business. We have traversed the woods in 
company through many wearisome days, and passed many 
dreary nights in the forest, with no other bed than some hem- 
lock or fir boughs, and no other shelter than the heavens, 
except in rainy weather, when we used to erect a little camp, 
covered with spruce bark, which we could build in a few min- 
utes. At one time, in 1835, we were in the woods, and saw 
no living person, except two Indians, and our own assistants, 
for sixty days ; and if those were not times to " try men's 
souls," they Avere to try their "stomachs," when the grub 
fell short ; and once, in particular, we had to pinch down to a 
small pittance, at only morning and night, for two days, and 
on the third day ate nothing till afternoon. By that time we 
had excellent appetites, and the food tasted good without many 
trimmings to make it relish. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 161 

At the annual meeting on the 5th of March, 1849, the 
town enacted, or, rather, passed a vote to adopt a code of hy- 
hi>ys, in regard to a bowling-saloon, and ball-playing in the 
street, and afterwards applied to the County Commissioners to 
ratify, or sanction, said by-laws. By these by-laws, the game 
of ball was not allowed to be played in any street, or public 
place, within ten rods of any house, store, or shop, nor, to be 
thrown by any person, a snow-ball, brick-bat, stone, or other 
thing liable to injure any person or property, under a penalty 
of one dollar for each and every offence ; and no person al- 
lowed to keep any place for playing at bowls, or other noisy 
game, within half a mile of any dwelling-house, meeting- 
house, or school-house, or within eighty rods of any public 
highway, under a penalty of five dollars, and any person 
playing at any such games in such places was liable to a 
penalty of two dollars. The Selectmen were clothed with 
power to appoint a police-officer, under the imposing title of 
'• Inspector of Police," to carry out the provisions of said 
by-laws. 

The thing, like otlier new notions, caused some little excite- 
ment among the boys and men, when the snow got off in the 
spring, and they began to hunt up their balls ; and a notice 
in the Village paper, warning persons not to visit particular 
places, was I'ather hard spelling ami rcadbig for some ; but 
happily, the threatened little storm has mostly blown over, 
and our atmosphere has nearly resumed its accustomed seren- 
ity. The bowling-saloon still stands, just south of where 
Denison's stable was burned, at the time of the calamitous 
fire last fall ; and, "wonderful to relate, the poor little thing 
seems to stand as a monument of sparing mercy, for it must 
have had a shower of fire over it during the conflagration. 
It has been open but little since the fire. 

A careful observation, at different times, and in different 
places, will convince any reasonable person that severe restraint 
is generally a weak preventative of common and civil recrea- 



162 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

tion among almost all classes of the community ; and tlie 
more stringent the law, the more strong the inclination to taste 
the "forbidden fruit." For "still, still man's heart will 
draw the secret sigh for pleasures unenjoyed." Mankind are 
so constituted that something recreative and gratifying to the 
sense, (or reason, if you please so to call it,) in some shape 
or other, will he sought for by every human being, while 
physical and mental faculties are capable of enjoyment. For, 
as a great poet says — 

" Behold the child, by nature's kindly law, 
Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw. 
Some livelier plaything gives his youth delight, 
A little louder, but as empty quite. 
Scarfs, garters, gold, amuse his riper stage. 
And beads and prayer-books are the toys of age. 
Pleased with this bauble still, as that before, 
Till tiled he sleeps, and life's poor play is o'er." 

No individual has a right to expect that the views and feelings 
of all others should exactly coincide with his own ; therefore 
it is not acting with candor to be too tenacious of our OAvn 
opinions and practice, or too illiberal and censorious in regard 
to the opinions and practice of others, who do not tally exactly 
with us in all things. For " whatsoever ye would that men 
should do unto you, do ye even so unto them." And this is 
a Divine injunction, which all are bound to follow. Such 
illiberal, censorious persons do not seem to be very deeply 
imbued with the spirit of our Heavenly Father ; for ' ' He 
maketh his sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and 
sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." 

Now, to farther illustrate the bearing and effects of the 
illiberal, overbearing, down-treading feelings and views mani- 
fested by a certain portion of mankind in regard to the feeling.'? 
and views of other portions of the human family, the writer 
will relate a little anecdote of an afiliir which once took place 

in the town of . In the dining-hall of a flishionable 

hotel, a splendid table was spread, for regaling the appetites, 



HISTORY OF XORAYAT. 163 

of the numerous guests ; — there was one dish, in particular, 
containing a rare and choice delicacy. A certain gentleman, 
"vvho counted himself as one of the "upper ten," after carving 
up this choice dish, took the pepper, and gave the whole a 
most liberal sprinkling, observing, at the same time, " Gen- 
tlemen, I suppose you all like pepper ; I am very fond of it 
myself. ' ' A little French gentleman, though not at all lacking 
in good manners, and good breeding, but "wishing to impress a 
useful lesson upon the mind of this assuming gentleman, 
thereupon drew from his pocket a capacious snuff-box, and 
gave the same delicate dish a thorough sprinkling of good old 
maccaboy, and says, " Gentlemen, I suppose you are all fond 
of snuff; I like it very much myself." You can easily judge 
what were the feelings of the disappointed guests, in conse- 
quence of this improper assumption by one of their number, 
thus to endeavor to prepare the whole dish to suit his own 
particular palate, without regard to the tastes of others. 

The effects are about the same where one, or a few, set out 
to regulate and restrain decent and common amusements in 
the community. For we all very well know that one likes to 
fiddle, another to dance, another to sing, another to thump 
the piano, another to play ball, another cards, dice, or back- 
gammon, another seeks amusement in the bowling-saloon, 
some drive fast horses and crack elegant whips, some fish, 
some hunt, others read frivolous, and even obscene tales and 
novels, while others choose useful and instructive books and 
periodicals, &:c., &c. Now all these things, although not 
productive of any positive good, are nevertheless better than 
worse, and more corrupting amusements ; and if there are 
any who prefer no amusement at all. it is nobody's business ; 
and they, like all others, ought to have the privilege of self- 
gratification (avoiding all excess) in their own way, provided 
they do not infringe on the rights and enjoyments of others. 
This is a wide world — wide enough for all to get along pretty 



164 HISTOKY OF NORWAY. 

comfortablj, provided each one "will avoid running against 
his neighbor. 

" In faith and hope the world will disagree, 
Bui all mankind's concern is charity.'" 

It has, of late years, become very fashionable for many, 
especially from crowded cities, to make excursions into various 
l)arts of the country — sometimes on business, sometimes for 
pleasure, and occasionally for both— and they often wish to 
jstop for a few days, or a few Aveeks, for the purpose of relax- 
ation from business, and to enjoy the social amusements of 
the place ; to view the beauties of lakes, ponds and rivers, 
of mountain, hill, dale, &c. We think our town, and Vil- 
lage, by due attention to the wishes and wants of visitors, may 
be made a very attractive and agreeable stopping-place for 
such persons ; and who, among our citizens, can indulge in 
;my other feelings than a desire for the up-building and pros- 
perity of the place. We need not caution strangers, and 
others, not to visit jus, or particular places in our town. It 
savors rather too strongly of the old Connecticut " blue-laws '"' 
for this enlightened age. 

Such persons as delight in rural sights and sounds, whether 
strangers or residents, I would invite to take a ramble up the 
side of the "Pike Hill," and seat themselves, on a summer 
forenoon, under some refreshing shade, and listen to the con- 
tinual hum of business and pleasure proceeding from the busy 
multitude below, and around. Hark ! hear tlie busy clip, 
clip, clip, clip, of the saw-mill, the buzz of circular saws, 
turning-lathes, &c., the monotonous rumble of the grist-mill, 
in its various departments, the click of the mason's trowel, 
attended with the well-known cry of " mort, more mort," the 
clipping and hammering of stone by the stone-cutters, the 
lively clap of the joiner's hammer, the heavy thump of the 
carpenter's mallet, the clink of. the blacksmith, (not forging 
fetters for serfs and slaves, but agricultural implements for a 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 165 

free yeomanry, ii-ho vonH be fettered.) and, in short, almost 
every sound attendant on the prosecution of almost every 
mechanical business ; all intermingled -with the rattling of 
carriages, from a gig to a six-horse coach, or -wagon, and oc- 
casionally the loud, rough voice of the teamster to his oxen, 

" While down the rough slope the ponderous wagon lings," 

heavily loaded with rough granite for the foundations of nu- 
merous buildings in progress of erection ; interspersed -with 
all these, occasionally you -will hear the sweet notes of the 
piano, and other musical instruments ; and the noise also of 

" The playful children just let loose from school ; " 

the tinkle of the tea, dinner, school, and factory-bell, and tlie 
beautifully toned church-bell ; and to crown the whole, some- 
times, (when they used to roll) the low rumble of the ftimons 
bowling-saloon, which serves as a fine thorough-bass to the 
varied concert. And now let me ask, who, among the lovers 
of rural scenery, but must be delighted Avith such enchanting 
sights and sounds 7 

The Avriter is no advocate for the bowling-saloon, or any 
other vain amusement, when carried to the least excess ; ho 
never rolled a ball in the saloon, and hardly in any other 
place ; but thinks we all ought to live and conduct in sucli a 
manner, that, when we are young, we may consider that we 
may one day be old ; and when we are old, we ought also to 
consider that we have once been young. 

"We have in this town very many |«3rsons, of both sexes, 
possessing great intellectual and physical powers, exercising 
their minds, or bodies, or both, in laudable and useful em- 
[)loyments ; and some few idlers, loafers, and gossips, (Mould 
to God we had less) which seems to ho the common lot of 
almost all places, of any note, or business. But perhaps it 
would be well for those who are so anxious to root out oik.' 



166 HISTORY or NORWAY. 

particular evil, to remember tlie parable of the tares and the 
vheat, and to act with candor and moderation, " lest while ye 
gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.-' 
For the command to the servants was, to " let both grow to- 
gether until the harvest ; and in the time of harvest, I will 
say to the reapers, gather ye together first the tares, and bind 
them in bundles to burn them ; but gather the wheat into my 
Ijarn." But a word of candid advice to the lovers of pleasure 
and amusements I know will be received with good feelings ; 
and that advice is, to be "temperate in all things." 

Town officers for 1850 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; Ebenezer 
C. Shackley, Treasurer ; Mark P. Smith, William Hall, 
Ichabod Bartlett, Selectmen ; Jonathan Blake, Collector. 
E. B. Holmes, Oxford, Representative. 

Valuation, ^200,594. Number of polls 400 ; number of 
Bcholars 779 ; whole number of inhabitants, by census, 1962. 
Highway tax, |1539,54. 

State tax, . - _ . ^ 652,44 

County tax, - - - - 43l|03 

Schools, - - - _ 750,00 

Poor, roads, and town charges, - 1500,00 

Overlayings, delinquency highway, supplement, 118,42 



Total money tax, - - - $;3451,89 

New immigrants : Hiram E. Abbott, Francis Bennett, 
Thomas F. Barton, George W. Crockett, Bethael F. Brake, 
Mark H. Bunnell, Isaac A. Benison, George Eveleth, Ste- 
phen Fuller, William Getchell, Oliver Goddard, Ezra Jewell, 
George W. Johnson, Peter Kimball, Otis F. Mixer, Charles 
Mallett, John H. Moore, George H. Merrill, Ausburn Mer- 
rill, William P. Merrill, Jackson Pillsbury, Charles Pike, 
William A. Parsons, S. J. Seavey, Zephaniah Starbird, James 
Stanley, George W. Sholes, Franklin Sargent, Samuel Vance, 
Frederick L. Young. Old settlers' sons : Erastus G. Brad- 
bury, Franklin P. Bolster, Osgood N. Bradbury, Sewali 
Crockett, Grovesnor Crockett, Joseph A. Danforth, Albert 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 167 

Gammon, Elijah Hobbs, Benjamin G. Holt, Jeremiah Hall, 
2d, Hanson Lord, David F. Nojes, Aaron Noble, John 
Smith, Calvin Shed. 

In December, this year, the grist-mill at the head of the 
"N^illage was burnt. It is supposed the fire took from a defect 
in the stove-funnel. The fire occurred in the night, and the 
destruction of the building, with all its contents, was com- 
plete, as little was saved from the devouring element. The 
mill was large and commodious ; it had four run of stones, 
two bolts, a cleanser, and corn-cracker ; and much inconve- 
nience was experienced by the town until another was built. 
The establishment was owned by a wealthy company, viz : 
Levi Whitman, Ezra F. Beal, El)cnczer Hobbs, Nathaniel 
Bennett, and John B. Brown, of Portland, and was built new 
some fifteen years ago. Owing to their pecuniary circum- 
stances, the distress of the owners was not so great as often 
folloAvs the burning of a poor man's buildings. In 1851, the 
Company rebuilt the mill in a very substantial manner, and 
have calculated a part of it for the manufi\cture of superfine 
flour, equal to the choicest fancy brands. They have, during 
the winter of 1851-2, purchased western wheat, from which 
they make very nice flour, said to be equal to the best. 

Town officers for 1851 : Simon Stevens, Clerk ; Ebenezer 
C. Shackley, Treasurer; Ichal3od Bartlett, William Hall, 
Ansel Town, Selectmen ; Jacob Bradbury, Collector. Lee 
Mixer, Representative. 

Valuation, $;211,312. Number of polls 434 ; number of 
scholars 800. 

Highway tax, $2110,00. 

State tax, . - - - $ 656,64 

Countvtax, - - - - 404,72 

Schools, - - . - 950,00 

Poor, and other .town charges, - 1000,00 

Ovcrlayings, - - - 04.04 

Total money tax, - - - $3075,40 



168 HISTORY OF XORWAY. 

New immigrants : Hezekiah 33. Bisbee, Epliraim B^^an, 
Haney Blake, Smith Bartlett, C. B. Coffin, Job B. Crooker, 
Isaac Copps, Edwin Cumniings, Benjamin Cobb, Asa Green, 
William Green, Richard Hammett, Dr. Jesse Howe, Enoch 
Holt, George Jackson, J. H. Kemp, Josiah P. Lovejoy, G. 
W. Mann, William D. Merrill, Aaron D. Mussej, Josiah 
Monroe, E. J. Pillsbury, Isaiah Penley, Mclvin Pool, WiUiam 
T. Raymond, Calvin Richardson, Levi D. Stearns, Rev. H. W. 
Strong, Jonas Stevens, Rev. J. L. Stevens, Michael Welch, 
Thomas ]\Iekeard, Old settlers' sons : William Cushman, 
Ansel H. Cushman, James Crockett, 2d, James S. Crockett, 
Amos French, Jeremiah Foster, '2d^ Cyrus S. Cobb, Timothy 
Gorham, Benjamin F. Hall, William C. Hobbs, George A. 
Noyes, John W. Pingree, Jr., Albert Small, Jonathan j\I. 
Shed, Isaac N. Small, Jacob Tubbs, Rollin Town, Alanson 
B. Watson, John H. Witt. 

In March, this year, Joel Parkhurst, while sawing shingles, 
received a severe wound on his left hand from the circular 
saw. The tendon, or cord, attached to the third finger, was 
cut entirely oif, and the finger rendered powerless ; one end 
of tlie cord protruding from the wound, it was removed with 
scissors. His hand was so injured that many thought it would 
never again be fit for active use ; but it has been in a great 
measure restored by persevering in the "cold-water-cure"' 
treatment ; even when most inflamed and painful, no dressing 
but water was applied, and that always with comforting effect. 
In 1830, the same hand was severely wounded by a preniatui-y^ 
explosion, while Mr. Parkhurst was engaged blasting rocks, 
and it has suffered injuries from machinery several times ; 
vet, though not so convenient as an unmaimcd hand, it is in 
tolerable repair, and serves quite well its owner, who is thankful 
it has so well endured the various accidents. 

This year, on the night of the 22d of Sept., (or the early 
morning of the 23d,) a great calamity, by fire, befel the 
Village, the sad effects of which are felt by the whole town. 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 169 

The fire "was first discovered in the stable of Anthony Bennett, 
who kept the Raih-oad House, about midnight. The flames 
spread so rapidly, that Mr. Bennett saved but a small part of 
the contents of the house, as it was large, and contained much 
furniture of various kinds. The conflagration spread from 
building to building, until eighteen, of all kinds, were burnt, 
and one, a wood-house of Mrs. Young, was pulled down to 
stop the fire. The following persons were the sufferers ; 
Joseph Shackley lost his house, barn, and two sheds ; A. C. 
Denison a very large store, stable, and shed ; an extensive 
stock of goods of almost every description was in the store, 
owned by Isaac A. Denison and Joseph A. Kendall, who oc- 
cupied the building ; Anthony Bennett lost house, stable, a 
large Avood and carriage shed, five valuable horses, one cow, 
one hog, harnesses and carriages ; part of the horses were 
owned by other persons ; Benjamin Tucker, Jr., lost house, 
barn, and two large sheds, with a quantity of hay and grain, 
carriages, harnesses, &c. ; Henry Rust, Esq., a very large, 
well-finished house, and three large outbuildings for necessary 
uses. There probably was more stuff saved from the last- 
named houses than from Mr. Bennett's, as there was more 
time for removing the goods. This was a sad blow to the 
Village, and even to the whole town, and tenfold more so to 
the owners. It seemed to almost paralyze all business for a 
while, and it will require a long lapse of time to fully recover 
from the shock. The origin of this fire is still shrouded in 
mystery ; but scarcely a doubt rests on the mind of any one 
but that it was the work of an incendiary. One individual, 
yea, two, were ai'rested, and examined before a magistrate 
touching the matter, but, the evidence not being very positive, 
were discharged ', still, public opinion awards a verdict of 
guilty, on some person ; but that is not legal proof. But, an 
all- wise Providence, pei'haps, Avill not let justice slumber al- 
vays ; butf*^all yet visit the atrocious wickedness of this deed 
upon the head of the guilty one. 



170 HISTORY OF XOEWAY. 

On tlie iiiglit of the 28tli of December a Lorrible affair 
took place near the middle of this town. A number of young 
men met for the purpose of ' ' serenading " ' a party who had 
been recently married. In the midst of the performance, 
some one in the house discharged a gun, loaded Avith shot and 
peas, at the crowd. The charge principally took effect upon 
the person of a young man named Foster, a son of Capt. Jer- 
emiah Foster, injuring him severely, and it was at the time 
feared fatally. He received from tAventy to thirty shot and 
peas in his face and neck, one of which lodged in one of his 
eyes, destroying it entirely ; several took effect in one of his 
hands, breaking the bones, and otherwise injuring it. It is 
reported that some others were struck by the scattering shot, 
but not severely injured. The horrible transaction has been, 
and is still to come under a judicial investigation. The young 
man has pretty much recovered from his wounds, but with the 
complete loss of his injured eye. Much excitement existed 
at the time, especially against the individual who was supposed 
to have fired the gun. This " serenading " is not very com- 
mendable, but yet it is one of the fashionable follies of the 
present day : and a person of common sense and humane 
feelings can plead no excuse for so wanton and wicked an act 
as firing into an indiscriminate crowd of men and boys. 

Town officers for 1852 : Wm. Wirt Virgin, Clerk ; Ebenezer 
C Shackley, Treasurer ; Simon Stevens, Simeon Noble, Lee 
Mixer, Selectmen ; Jonathan Blake, Collector. Asa Dan- 
forth, Representative. 

Valuation, |20.8,88T. Number of polls 406 ; number of 
scholars 797 ; voters in March 478 — in September 503. 
Highway tax, as voted by the town. $-2200,00. 
State tax, - - - - $ 6FiQSQ 

County tax, - - - - 522.35 

Schools, - . . . 950,00 

Poor, and town charges, - - 1000.00 

Extra road money, - - - ^ 200,00 

Total money tax, - - - |3329,0i 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 171 

Nc-\v immigvants : E. W. Collis, John Dcaly, Edgar Emery, 
Benjamin B. Francis, Samuel Gibson, John 0. Kimball, 
Joseph F. Herrick, John J. Hayden, Henry Houghton, Charles 
Jackson, Ezekiel Jackson, Elijah G. Knight, James Lyndes, 
Joseph J\r. Little, John McGee, Alexander H. Muzzey, Isaac 
Merrill, Francis W. Mallett, Stuart H. Noble, James L. 
Paine, Thomas Plummer, George L. Plummer, Charles A. 
Radford, E. Robinson, John W. Raymond, Erastus Richard- 
son, Franklin Sargent, W. H. Stillson, George Titcomb, 
Marshal Warren, Charles Wolcot, Ephraim F. Wood, Solo- 
mon N. Cloudman, Horace P. McAllister. Old settlers' sons : 
Joseph Bullen, William R. Banforth, William Frost, 4th, 
Elijah H. Hobbs, Darius M. Holt, Aurelius C. Noble, Ben- 
jamin G. Holt, Benjamin Tucker, 3d, Amos H. Needham, 
Henry A. Bradl)ury, Servilla A. Bennett, Charles H. Evans, 
Wilson Hill, Jr., Simon Stevens, 2d, Daniel Herring, 
George W. JNlillett, Edward Morse, Joshua B. Crockett, 
Charles F. Parkhurst. 

On the 11th day of May, this year, Daniel H. Witt, a son 

of Benjamin Witt, and grandson of Benjamin Witt, the old 

settler, was suddenly killed on the railroad ; he lived one 

hour and ten minutes after being run over. He was employed 

, as fireman on an engine. 

The following persons, in Norway, hold commissions as 
Justices of the Peace, and of the Quorum, viz : 

Justices Peace and Quonim — Moses B. Bartlett, Levi 
Whitman, Samuel Cobb, Samuel Gibson.* William E. Good- 
now, David Noyes, Jonathan B. Smith, Jonathan Swift, Wm. 
Wirt Virgin. Justices Peace — William Foster, David F. 
Frost, Simeon Noble. 

There have, since the first settlement of this town, been 
many different individuals who have engaged in trade, and 
have prosecuted that business for a long or short time, as 

* Samuel Gibson formerly resided in Denmark, and is Sherift' of the 
County of Oxford. Asa Thayer is Deputy Sherill" at tiiis time. 



172 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

suited their interest or inclination, with various success. I 
here give the names of such as can be recollected, without 
pretending to give dates as to the time when, or how long : 
James Kettle, William Reed, William Hobbs, Joshua Smith, 
Daniel Smith, Wilham Cox, Increase Robinson, Allan Bart- 
lett, Jacob French, Jeremiah Mitchell, Edward Mitchell, 
Aaron Wilkins, William Pingree, Jonathan Swift, Ansel 
Field, Job E. Stevens, John B. Ford, Samuel Dunn, Jona- 
than Stevens, Asa Barton, Emery Livermore, George J. 
Ordwaj, Stephen Cummings, Ichabod Bartlett, Lemuel Bart- 
lett, Anthony Bennett, David Smith, Jonathan B. Smith, 
Lee Mixer, Samuel Houghton, John Tucker, Stephen Green- 
leaf, Jr., William E. Goodnow, William Frost, 3d, William 
Hayes, Otis True, Josephus Harris, Cyrus Thayer, Daniel 
Hubbard, Jotham Goodnow, James N. Hall, Moses G. Dow, 
David R. Holden, Moses A. Young, Bailey Bodwell, Ezra 
Jewell, James Crockett, Henry L. Crockett, Ebenczer C. 
Shackley, Samuel Favor, Adna C. Denison, Clark P. True, 
Elhanan W. Fyler, Isaac A. Denison, Joseph A. Kendall, 
Franklin Manning, Jeremiah Howe, Edwin W. HoAve, Charles 
P. Kimball, ^L L. Burr, Charles Tubbs, Orin Tubbs, Nathan 
Noble, William Hor, Newton Swift, David Crockett, Elijah 
R. Merrill, tienry Upton, James H. Merrill, William Foster, 
James French. Jr., George French, Asa Noyes, Joseph Ben- 
nett, William Buck, William HoAve, Kendall Deering, Henry 
Houghton, Francis H. Whitman, George A. Frost, George 
W. Knight, Charles Penley, James Tubbs, David N. Cushman. 
In addition to this long list, a large number of females have 
kept milliner's shops, for furnishing articles in the female 
department. 

Among this multiplicity of traders are many who, in their 
day, did a thriving business, and many more Avho did not lay 
out to do but little. Some continued in business many years, 
and others but a short time. Some got rich, and others prob- 
ably did not ; but it takes everybody to do everything, and 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 173 

men will generally do what they like l)est if they can. The 
method and cliaractci' of trade has undergone great changes 
since the early settlements in this town. Formerly it was 
very difficult to sell any articles of produce for cash ; hence 
the farmer was under the necessity of carrying much of his 
surplus produce to Portland in order to get a little money ; 
and then it was quite a trick to get much, say one-half money, 
at best, for good staple articles. But at the present day, 
good staple articles will command cash, if required, at home, 
and but few farmers carry their surplus produce to Portland 
themselves. And we do sincerely hope that the town will 
always be blessed with good, fair, honest traders, rich enough 
and willing to pay the hard- laboring farmers cash when they 
need it. 

I will here mention, though a little out of place, that Ste- 
phen Greenleaf, senior, was the first cabinet-maker in Norway 
Village, and in early times was considered a fine workman. 
He has performed the duty of sexton in the Village for many 
years ; but is now verging toward the grave himself, as he is 
quite aged. 



Gentle reader, I have led you along, year by year, marking 
out the way through piles of old documents, and new scraps 
of memoranda collected with much labor, and have consulted 
both the living and the dead (as I have sometimes visited the 
grave-yard to procure dates of certain matters) to enable mc 
to point out things in their true light and under proper dates ; 
and now I shall proceed to show the present situation of things 
'* about town," that you may be able to make a fair compari- 
son between the situation of the place in 1786, and in 1852, 
comprising a space of 66 years. The great and principal 
business of the town is agriculture, although there is much 
mechanical and other business done at the present day, antl 
for that matter, always has been, since its first settlement. 
There are now fourteen school-houses, and the same number 



174 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

of school-districts, containinii; eidit hundred scholars, and one 
academy, of "which I shall speak hereafter. At the first- 
named period, this town was a howling wilderness — one 
unbroken forest, destitute of the first mark of civilization : 
now, few towns can boast of fairer fields, or a more pleasant, 
thriving Village. In regard to the business done in the town, 
besides that of farming, (which is the basis of all other busi- 
ness.) I Avill commence with aifairs at the Steep Falls. 

The stream which furnishes the water-power is the outlet 
of the great Pennessewassee pond, and the whole fall is about 
sixty-five feet, within a distance of twenty rods, or less. The 
upper privilege is occupied by the paper-mill of Dr. Asa 
Danforth ; it is built on the most improved plan, and does a 
good business. This establishment uses up 100 tons of rags, 

175 cords of wood, 150 casks of lime, 12 casks chloride of 
lime, 960 pounds oil of vitriol, and turns out ^15,000 worth 
of paper annually. Three men and three girls are employed. 
Oeorge W. Seaverns foreman and superintendent. This is a 
very fine privilege for the paper-making business, on account 
of the clearness and softness of the water, which far surpasses 
many other privileges improved for like purposes. The mill 
was put in operation in Jan., 1848, and the paper manufac- 
tured in it has already established a high reputation. 

On the next fall is a shingle-machine, and an engine-lathe, 
owned by Joel Parkhurst, who saws 200 thousand of shingles 
per year, and sometimes more, besides other business. 

On the lower fall is A. C. Denison's saw-mill, which cuts 
out about 600 thousand of lumber per year. J. B. Crooker 
foreman. 

On the lower fall, also, opposite the saw-mill, is Brown & 
Co.'s iron-foundery, in which are manufactured, largely, 
stoves, fire-frames, ash, oven, and boiler-mouths, agricultural 
implements, wheel-hubs, and almost anything else made in 
such establishments, besides a large business in the manufac- 
ture of butt-hinges, latches, &c. ; they have two engine-lathes. 



HISTORY OF XORWAT. 17^' 

and are prepared to execute almost any -work in wood or iron 
that is called for ; there are used 150 tons of iron, and 50 
tons of coal per year. Connected Avitli this establishment, is 
a shop for working tin and sheet-iron, and a large store of 
goods of almost all kinds, which are sold to the amount of 
$25,000 per year, exclusive of their castings. J. B. Brown, 
of Portland, principal, or sole owner; Franklin Manning,, 
superintendent. Works started in 1847, and yearly increasing. 

A new store has been opened near Brown & Co.'s by Henry 
Houghton, within the past year, not long enough since to de- 
termine, with much accuracy, the amount of business ; but 
probably about $6000 to $8000 per year. 

Adna C. Denison came from Vermont to Norway in 1S42,. 
and commenced trade in the store of J. B. Brown, at the 
Steep Falls, (the same store now occupied by Brown & Co...) 
and in a short time did a great business for a country store. 
He carried on trade on a different scale from what had previ- 
ously been customary in this section of the country : he bought 
almost every commodity offered, which could be considered a 
proper article of traffic, and for staple articles paid cash, if 
required ; in this way he soon drew around him a large amount 
of business. He remained at the Falls about four years, and 
tlien moved his quarters to near the center of the Village ; 
soon after, he purchased the stand next door east of Bennett's 
tavern, where he made large additions to the building, and 
erected a stable and other things necessary for his large busi- 
ness; his trade amounted to about $50,000 per year. This 
trade was under the name of Denison & True ; aftel7^vards, 
Denison, True & Kendall ; and at the time of the destructive 
fire, his brother, Isaac A. Denison, and Joseph A. Kendall, 
occupied the store, and were, with others, great sufferers. 
Isaac A. Denison and Joseph A. Kendall have resumed trade 
since the fire, and now occupy the store near the center bridge ; 
they are doing a good business, probably at the rate of $n0,- 
000 per year ; and it is hoped that the trading commimity 



1T6 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

will not be unmindful of tliom, as a good run of custom -would 
do much to make them forget their heavy loss. 

Jeremiah and Edwin W. Howe are carrying on trade in the 
brick store near the center of the Village, built in 1830, and 
fii'st occupied by Emery Livermore. Jeremiah Howe com- 
menced trade in tliis store in July, 1835, and has continued 
since in the same building. His brother, E. W. Howe, is 
now a partner in the business ; their trade amounts to some- 
thing like ^20,000 per 3^ear. Pretty good business for the 
old mail-cai'rier's descendants. They are grandsons of Jacob 
Howe, who carried the first mail through Norway, and used 
to sound his tin horn, as he approached the post-office, and 
neighborhoods where any one took the old "Portland Gazette," 
or "Eastern Argus; " and even these papers, at that day, 
were only in their swaddling-clothes, compared with the pres- 
ent time. 

James H. Merrill can-ies on trade in a store built, a few 
years since, by George J. Ordway ; he deals in English and 
West India goods, and ready-made clothing ; does a pretty 
good business, amounting, probably, to about $8000 or $10,- 
000 per year. 

Ebenezer C. Shackley and Samuel Pavor trade near the 
head of the Village ; they keep a good assortment of articles 
of almost all kinds, and do a thriving business, probably about 
$10,000 or $15,000 per year; among their stock is a good 
assortment of joiner's tools and hardware. 

James Crockett trades at the head of the Village, and has 
traded there for many years ; he never kept a large stock of 
goods, but does a steady, snug little business, and probably 
makes as good a living as any of them. He is the town agent 
for selling spirituous liquors for medicinal and mechanical 
purposes. He has long been licensed as a retailer, and is as 
careful and discreet in selling the article as the most fastidious 
could wish. When his father, Joshua Crockett, moved into 
the place, he was a small boy, and has seen the tQ,wn grow up 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 177 

to its present state. In 1817, he was chosen Constable and 
Collector of taxes, and since that time has collected the taxes 
of the town twenty-three years, and been Constable ever 
since, and Coroner for many years, also ; and when the taxes 
were collected, the money was always put in the right place, 
and that is saying considerable. 

The tanning business is carried on largely in the Village 
by Mark P. Smith. He commenced in 1841 Avith fifteen 
pits, and has been making additions to his buildings and pits 
ever since ; and at the present time has fifty-six pits. He 
takes in 400 slaughter hides yearly, and tans at least 1700 
hides and 400 calf-skins annually ; he uses 200 cords of bark, 
and ^200 worth of oil and tallow in finishing his leather. 

Ebenezer Hobbs, the third child born in Rustfield, has car- 
ried on the blacksmith and plow business for many years ; he 
makes from 50 to 150 plows annually ; and from 1820 up to 
1842, when the old-fashioned plows were used, he made many 
more than that number. He has done a large business in 
ironing carriages and sleighs ; for several years he has had a 
small foundery, and does his own castings ; and the probability 
is, that he has hammered out on his anvil, and cast in his 
foundeiy, a good many hard dollars — and he has worked hard 
to get them. 

While speaking of plows, I will give the history of the first 
one ever made, or used, in the place ; and that plow Avas con- 
structed for Mr. Dudley Pike. In the spring of 1790, 
Anthony and Nathaniel Bennett came up from Ncav Glouces- 
ter to look out land, in order to purchase and settle on the 
same, and went to Dudley Pike's to stay over night, on their 
arrival in Rustfield. After exploring and selecting their lots, 
they returned to the same hospitable cabin for another night's 
lodging before returning home. Mr. Pike happened to have 
a set of old plow-irons, and they tarried another day with 
their host, and made a plow for him, Avhich Avas a very valu- 
able acquisition to his ncAV farm, and probably did not come 
12 



178 niSTORY OF XORAVAT. 

amiss to liis few neighbors. And posterity may set it down, 
that Capt. Anthony, and Lieut. Nathaniel Bennett, were the 
builders of the first plow in NorAvay. 

Horatio G. Cole cards wool and dresses cloth. He came 
to Norway in 1820, and tended a carding-ixiachine a few years 
for Nathaniel Bennett, near the grist-mill ; he then bought 
the machine, and afterwards purchased the privilege where 
Bailey Bodwell first erected clothier's Avorks, and since has 
carried on both branches ; thus he has had a very good chance 
to "pull the AYOol over the eyes" of the whole town. He 
cards, or has carded, from 15.000 to 20,000 pounds of wool 
annually ; but carding and cloth-dressing are not so fashion- 
able as they were thirty years ago. Then you could hear the 
music of the spinning-wheel and loom in almost every house, 
and men and women, boys and girls, were clad in home-spun 
and home-dressed garments. 

We have a few men to cut up leather after Mark P. Smith 
tans it. Solomon S. Hall manufactures 600, or more, pairs 
of boots and shoes annually. Lee Mixer has done a large 
business in the shoe line, probably to the amount of .^4000 
per year. Hawkins & Stearns do about !^2500 per year. 
Many others in different parts of the town do much custom 
work, and use a large quantity of leather. Benjamin Tuck- 
er, Jr., also helps off" the leather ; he works at the harness- 
making and carriage-trimming business, to the amount of 
$500, annually. 

Thomas H. Kelley, a tailor, cuts up Cole's cloth, and that 
of everybody else, which comes in his way. The amount of 
work done in his shop probably amounts to ,f 2000, or more, 
annually. He makes good Jits — otherwise he would do 
much less. 

An apothecary store is kept by Robert Noyes in the old 
store first built by William Reed ; but the building has a large 
addition to its former size, and is fitted up in good style. 
Amount of drugs and medicines sold annually, $1000. In 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 179 

the same building is a bookstore and bindery, managed by 
Robert Noyes and George L. Beal ; amount of business about 
|;1000 annually. 

Bulj^it <fc Barnard, formerly of Boston, carry on a large 
business, for a country place, in the cabinet and furniture 
manuflicture. They have very nice machinery for doing much 
of the labor, and can probably sell furniture cheaper, for the 
quality, than any other concern of the kind in this section of 
the country. They turn out about ,$15,000 worth annually. 

The mills at the head of the Village, owned by the com- 
pany before spoken of, do a good business ; the grist-mill 
grinds from ten to sixteen thousand bushels per year, and 
sometimes more ; and the saw-mill cuts out from tAvo to three 
hundred thousand of lumber per year. There are four other 
saw-mills in the town besides those at the Village and the 
Falls, viz : Col. John Millctt's, on the outlet of North pond, 
which cuts out from one hundred to one hundred and fifty 
thousand annually; Holden's mill, on Crooked river, which 
saws from tAvo hundred to eight or ten hundred thousand per 
year, with a shingle-machine which manufactures from two 
hundred to six or eight hundred thousand of shingles annu- 
ally. Another saw-mill and shingle-machine stands on the 
Upton brook, and does considerable business — amount un- 
known to the writer. The latter mill, as previously stated, 
has been three times destroyed by fire, and Holden"s mill 
once burnt. Jonathan Swift, Esq., has a grist-mill and a 
shingle-machine near the old Upton privilege, Avhieh do some 
business, but the stream being small, does not aflford a suffi- 
cient supply of water in dry times. Capt. Richard Lombard 
has a saw-mill on the Everett brook, and cuts a large quantity 
of lumber each spring. 

In 1847, Charles P. Kimball came into Norway "^'illage, 

'and commenced the sleigh and carriage-making business. At 

first he had from two to four hands employed in his shop, and 

iiad his iron- work done in other shops : but his work proving 



180 HiSTonr of noeway, 

quite satisfactory to purchasers, lie gradually increased liis 
help from six to fifteen, or morO; hands. In the spring of 
1850, he purchased a water-privilege near Mr. Cole's works, 
and erected a large shop, 100 feet by 82, and three stories 
high ; the lower story is built of split stone, and used for the 
blacksmith shop, where he has all his sleighs and carriages 
ironed under his own direction ; the machinery of the estab- 
lishment probably cost more than $2000. He now employs 
about forty hands in all departments of his business, that is, 
on the wood-work, ironing, painting, and trimming. He uses 
a large amount of lumber, iron, coal, leather, paints, oil, and 
varnish, and sells more than one hundred wheel carriages, and 
two or three times that number of sleighs ; besides doing a 
great deal of small jobbing and repairing. His carriages and 
sleighs go into almost every part of the State, and many into 
New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has recently estab- 
lished a depository for his carriages in Portland, and has a 
salesman to sell the same as opportunity shall oflfer. Last 
year he purchased the old stand where William Cox formerly 
traded and lived, and has almost built the store anew, and fit- 
ted it up in a handsome style for the purpose of trade ; and 
a large quantity of articles are wanted by the men in his 
employ, and by other people, who can as well trade with him 
as with any other person, provided he sells articles as good 
and as cheap as others. The old Cox house, it Avill be recol- 
lected, was the first two-story building erected in the Village, 
and was occupied by Mr. Cox from 1808 to 1843. While 
trading here, he sold a great amount of goods, and accumu- 
lated a decent property, besides bringing up a large family of 
children ; he now sleeps in the silent tomb. 

Perhaps the reader will wonder what so many folks in the 
Village live on ; I will just tell what helps them some about 
living. Maj. Henry W. Millett kills and cuts up from 120» 
to 150 head of beef cattle, 40 or 50 round hogs, ]50 veal 
calves, and from 600 to 1000 sheep and lambs annually, and 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 181 

keeps his meat-carriage running sufficiently to supply the 
needy and destitute. And near Maj. Millett lives Josiah 
Munroe, a baker, who bakes up the good, little and great 
cakes, which the children love dearly — even the "children 
of larger growth." He uses from, eight to ten barrels of 
flour per week, and sometimes more. 

There are a number of blacksmiths in the town, several of 
Avhom are in the Village : E. G. Allen, Amos T. Murphy, 
llosea B. Bisbee, Joshua B. Stuart, Sumner Hale, William 
Hayes, Dudley Woodbridge, P. D. Judkins. Amos T. Mur- 
phy now owns the same anvil and bellows used by the 
first blacksmith in town, Benjamin Witt. The bellows has 
been newly leatliered several times, but the anvil is a hard- 
faced old fellow, and stands the blows well yet. 

There are three watch -menders and jewelers near the cen- 
tral part of the Village, viz : Simeon Walton, old, honest, 
and experienced — he also rings the bell, and is always very 
exact about the time ;. C. B-. Coffin works in the same shop 
with Mr. W^alton ; and William M. Cushman, whose sign is 
near the apothecary store. 

Then, for gentlemen's convenience, there is a barber, Jon- 
athan Blake, who shaves and tonsu>3es in genteel style ; and 
in a part of his shop sells- confectionary, fruit, nuts, &c., 
making a pretty little business of the whole concern. 

Loren H. W^risley manufactures rifles, fowling-pieces, pis- 
tols, and many other things in his line ; and all work goes 
out of his hands in a highly-finished style. 

Jeremiah Hobbs, C. W. Hobbs, and Alanson B. Watson, 
make pumps and lay aqueducts. 

Thomas Higgins has an establishment at the head of th€ 
Village for working tin and sheet-iron. 

In short, we have mechanics and workmen that can furnis^li 
almost any article, from a tin whistle to an omnibus, and even 
to a book, as this book is entirely of home-manufacture. The 
materials for the work had their origin in Norway ; the writer. 



182 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

the paper-maker, the printer, and the book-binders, arc all of 
Norway ; and we earnestly hope to find a corresponding lib- 
eral patronage in the old town of Norway. 

E. P. Fitz must not be overlooked among the other useful 
members of our little community ; he is a glazier, painter, 
imd paper-hanger of the first order ; his graining on inside 
finishing looks rich and beautiful, and he likes to be called on 
in his business line. 

The town is well supplied with carpenters and house-join- 
ers ; the following are in and about the Village : Enoch L. 
Knight, Granville L. Reed, Richard Evans, J. A. Small, 
Lorenzo Hathaway, James S. Greenleaf, Stephen Grccnleaf} 
Jr., Ansel Dinsmore, George Jackson, John Deering, Amos 
Ordway, George W. Sholes, Ephraim H. Brown, Otis F. 
Mixer, and George W. Mann, sash, door, and blind-maker : 
in other parts of the town arc, Col. Amos F. Noyes, Henry 
Small, Isaac N. Small, Samuel B. Gurney, Capt. J. "VVhit- 
marsh, Clark Knight, Lemuel Lovejoy, Thomas Lovejoy. 
Capt. Cephas Sampson, Theodore L. Lassell, Eben Marston. 
and some others who do common work when necessary. 

I have said much about ornamental things, but just no^- 
permit me to refer to one very useful and profitable affair ; 
that is, Jonathan B. Smith's nursery of fruit trees. He has 
several acres covered with fruit trees, mostly of the apple 
kind, and probably has of all kinds nearly, or quite, half a 
million ; they are mostly budded or engrafted, of all ages and 
sizes, from the little pips of one year old, up to a handsome 
size for transplanting, and of the best standard kinds of fruit. 
He has raised them on purpose to sell ; and now, gentlemen 
fivrmers, don't let this fine nursery grow up like a forest, and 
l)ecome worthless for want of a ready sale. But to encourage 
you to purchase some of these fine trees, I will tell you a 
little matter-of-fact story about apple tr&es. In the spring of 
1815, I commenced on a new lot of land where I now live, 
and as soon as I had cleared and prepared land suitable for 



HISTORY OF XORWAT. 183 

sucli purposes. I sowed a small nursery ; and when the trees 
became big enough, transplanted some of them for an orchard, 
and sold the rest ; and have since then raised many thousands 
of trees for sale, and have continued to set more trees every 
few years up to the present year. I have engrafted all my 
trees except those set within a few years, and raise no fruit 
but that which is engrafted. My orchard now produces so 
many apples that I sell one hundred barrels yearly, and have 
enough for home use ; and in fact, in my humble opinion, a 
farmer can not invest his money and labor in any way on his 
farm to so much profit as in the right cultivation of the apple. 
2so State in the Union can produce so good apples for ship- 
ping as Maine : and if the wheat crop should continue to fail 
us, we can easily raise our flour on apple trees. I am not a 
partner in Mr. Smith's nursery, but I wish to see our farmers 
aAvake to their own interests ; and as apple trees are my hobby 
which I ride every spring, you will pardon my notice of Mr. 
Smith's tree-garden. The writer has set sixty thousand scions 
within the last ten springs, besides his own, and never made 
a bad failure. 

The printing business in Norway commenced on a small 
scale as early as 1826. Asa Barton then commenced pub- 
lishing the "Oxford Observer" in this Village, (he had 
previously publishe<l a paper of the same title on Paris Ilill.) 
and from 1828 William P. Phelps was associated with him 
till April, 1829, when William E. Goodnow bought out the 
interest of Asa Barton, and the paper was published by Good- 
now and Phelps till October, 1830 ; at that time Goodnow 
bought out the interest of Phelps, and published the Observer 
till June, 1832, when the title of said paper Avas changed to 
the "Politician," edited by William A. Evans, to conform to 
the high state of political feeling then existing, on the eve of 
a Presidential election. The Politician was continued till 
April, 1833. when the establishment was sold to Horatio King, 
of Paris, who took it, with the " Jeffersoniau " establishment. 



184 BISTORT or NORfy-AY. 

to Portland, and the County was destitute of any paper tiH 
June, 1833 ; at that time Asa Barton commenced the publi- 
cation of the " Oxford Oracle," an independent paper, and 
having issued seven numbers, sold the establishment ; and the 
" Oxford Democrat" was then started in Paris by George W. 
Millett, who continued its publication nearly eighteen years-. 
In April, 1832, the "Journal of the Times," a small, inde- 
pendent, weekly paper, was commenced by William E. Good- 
now, and published about three months, but Avas then discon- 
tinued, from the fact of its interfering with the subscription 
list of the Politician. In March, 1830, a small, independent 
paper, called the "Village Spy," was commenced by Asa 
33arton, and in a short time discontinued for want of patronage. 
Asa Barton became an attorney some years before his death. 
The "Norway Advertiser," an independent family paper, 
was commenced by Ira Berry, in March, 1844, and subse- 
quently published by Ira Berry and Francis Blake, Jr. ; and 
after the dissolution of the copartnership, by said Berry alone, 
again. The paper was then published by Edwin Plummer, 
then by Albert B. Davis and Cyrus W. Brown, then by 
Thomas Witt, and lastly by Mark H. Dunnell ; he soon al- 
tered the name to the " Pine State News," but the pines are 
become so scarce in this vicinity, that it seemed to be rather 
lonesome, and finally was discontinued in Jan., 1851. In 
July, 1851, a new paper under the old name of the Norway 
Advertiser, printed on a large, haaidsome sheet, was estab- 
lished by Moses B. Bartlett, Esq. ; it was subsequently 
purchased by George W. Millett, who now owns and publishes 
the same, and has a handsome patronage. Up to the present 
paper, with the exception of the Politician, the Korway papers 
have been what, in common parlance, are styled neutral pa- 
pers ; but within a few months the Advertiser has shed its 
old neutral skin, and appears at this time in a democratic 
garb. This courso, in my humble opinion, is about right, for 
I should think xn editor and publisher, of any mind and. ial- 



HISTORY OF NORWAT. 185 

cnts must feel as though he were in a straight jacket, to be 
all the time catering for a set of nobody s and nothings, Tvho 
do not belong to any party, but are ready to join any popular 
current which happens to be in the ascendancy. For myself, 
I always wish to be pretty certain about knowing to Avhat 
particular genus every creature which I feed belongs, whether 
it be pig or puppy. I should have liked the paper full as 
well had it come out under whig colors ; but the editor and 
myself shall probably never quarrel about opinions, for he 
has as good right to enjoy and exercise his as I have mine ; 
but at all events, these papers of the neuter gender I don't 
think much of, except they are, in reality, literary papers. 
They remind me, too much, of the man who prayed, first to 
the Lord, and then to the devil, because he did not know cer- 
tain " into whose hands ''" he might hereafter fall. 

Among other improvements in the town and Village, is a 
first-rate engine for extinguishing fires ; although it is desir- 
able to have but little use for it, yet should another calamitoua 
fire, like that of last fall, happen, we hope it may be instru- 
mental in saving much property from the devouring element. 
The two Village school-districts have become a corporate body 
for the purpose of procuring an engine, and the town very 
liberally voted to pay f 500 towards the same ; and we fer- 
vently hope that no tax-payer will ever have cause t«> regret 
the appropriation ; it is also hoped that the members of the 
engine company may never grow cold in their attachment to 
the ''Oxford Bear."* 

Late in the evening of the 29th of April, 1852, the house 
of Moses B. Bartlett, Esq., was discovered to be on fire. 
The alarm was instantly given, and in a few minutes the en- 
gine company with the " Bear " were on the ground ; shortlj 
afterwards the fire was extinguished, and the house saved. 
This was their first essay in squirting water at the "real 

•The name of the engine. 



186 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

clement," and tlicy -were signally successful. ^lay they long 
•wait for another trial of their skill and prowess. 

The " Norway Sax Horn Band" has been recently organ- 
ized, and bids fair to become celebi'ated for '• discoursing sweet 
music." Such an organization is useful as well as ornamental, 
and was much needed on some occasions. Success attend the 
enterprise. 

And now, almost last, but not least, is the Academy to be 
noticed. This institution is incorporated under the title of 
'• The Norway Liberal Institute." The building is large and 
commodious, stands on a very dry and handsome elevation, 
open to a good, wholesome circulation of pure air, and seems 
every way fitted, under proper management, combined with a 
proper disposition in the students, to be a fine place for the 
acquisition of useful knowledge. It Avas opened in 1847, 
under fixvorable auspices ; in a catalogue for that year, I find 
the teachers were as follows : Ebenezer P. Hinds, Principal ; 
Jacob W. Brown, Vice Principal ; John 0. Coolidge, Charles 
H. Nickerson, Silas S. Giflford, Lemuel Bourne, Assistants ; 
Isaiah H. Baker, Teacher of Penmanship ; Miss Mary F. 
Chase, Preceptress ; Miss Mary A. A. Additon, Teacher of 
Music ; Miss Anne N. Peering, Teacher of Drawing and 
Painting. Number male students, 83, female, 91 ; tot;d, 174. 
In 1848-49, the school w^as under the direction of J. G. 
Eveleth, Principal ; "Walter M. Hatch, Assistant ; and Miss 
Nancy F. Shaw in the female department. In 1850, the 
school was taught by INIaik H. Bunnell, Principal ; Thomas 
F. Barton, Warren F. Barnes, Assistants ; and Miss Cath- 
erine Woodman in the female department. Such other assist- 
ants were employed as were necessary for the instruction of 
the various branches required to be taught in the institution. 

The institution has no permanent funds for its support, like 
many other, and older, Academies, but has to rely on its own 
earnings to support itself; and it is hoped that a discerning 
public will patronize this self-supported school as much^ at 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 187 

least, as they would one which has been endowed with funds 
by the State. And while thinking and Avriting on this sub- 
ject, I will at once enter my caveat against our Legislature's 
granting land or money to any incorporated literary institution. 
The reasons why they should not, are obvious to my mind, 
and I hope they will for the future be to the memljcrs of the 
Legislature. In the first place, as a general thing, the sons 
and daughters of the more opulent class enjoy, by far, the 
greatest advantages of such schools — as the poorer classes are 
not able to be at the expense of sending their children to 
schools of so high a grade ; and, furthermore, the rich are 
abundantly able to provide such schools without the aid of the 
State. I would not be understood as wishing to throw any 
impediment in the way of the education of our youth ; but 
contrary to that, I Avould open wide, and v icier, the door for 
the education of the poor man's child, as well as the child 
of the rich man. If the State has anything to bestow for 
the encouragement of education, let it be granted towards the 
support of our primary schools ; in this way the benefits will 
reach all classes of the community, poor as avcII as rich. 
This would be acting a little in imitation of our Heavenly 
Father, " who causeth the sun to shine on the evil and on the 
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." In 
fact, I think the best disposition that could be made of a por- 
tion of our State lands, Avould be to grant it for the purpose 
of raising a fund for aiding our primary schools. Doubtless 
some argue in this way, that our primary schools do not afford 
such advantages as they wish their children to enjoy : very 
good ; then send them to a higher school, but not at the ex- 
pense of the State. Furthermore, if our primary schools are 
not of so high a grade as some desire, then I say, apply the 
right remedy, and do something in a substantial Avay to raise 
them to the proper standard. For it must be obvious to every 
reflecting mind, that our primary schools are the great nurse- 
ries, from which are transplanted all those towering geniuses 



188 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

■which ornament our academies, colleges, the learned profess- 
ions, and halls of legislation, throughout our happy land. 
But I must stop this tirade, lest some should think that I am 
arguing the cause of education before our grave legislature ; 
and I fervently hope they will be assailed with stronger 
arguments than these on the subject hereafter. 

The present teachers in the Institute are William D. Put- 
nam, Principal, and Miss Emeline F. Wright, Assistant. It 
is presumed that the advantages for students, male or female, 
at this institution, are equal, at least, to any similar institu- 
tion in this section of the country. 

The town has a small school fund, the interest amounting 
annually to $13,70, which accrued from the sale of some land 
granted to the town by the legislature of Massachusetts, prior 
to our separation from that State. At the time of the dis- 
tribution of the surplus revenue, the writer believed it would 
be good policy for the town to convert the money into a per- 
manent school fund, and expend the interest annually towards 
the support of our primary schools ; a few others were of the 
same opinion, but the majority thought otherwise. Probably 
they made a very prudent calculation, as some are careful to 
see to the spending of all their earnings, lest the next gener- 
ation should not appropriate them to proper purposes. But 
such a fund would have been an honorable monument to have 
erected ; and would have been productive of much benefit to 
posterity. 

The whole amount of taxes assessed and paid in the town 
since its incorporation is as follows : 

Highway tax, - - - $94,151 98 

Money tax, including State and County, 91,o98 08 

Total amount of taxes, - - $185,550 06 

Individuals in the town of Norway own about 230 shares 
in the Atlantic k St. Lawrence Railroad, which we hope will 
ultimately be beneficial to the business of the town and Yil- 



HISTORY OF NORAVAY. 189 

lage. E. F. Beal, Esq., is one of the Directors, and has been 
since its commencement. 

At the first establishment of the post-ofiice in Norway, or 
soon after, the receipts in the office for one quarter amounted 
to 18 3-4 cents, (this was the very lowest extreme;) the 
amount of receipts for the quarter ending June 30th, 1851, 
being the last quarter under the old law, was $195,05 1-2 
cents ; and for the quarter ending March 31st, 1852, being 
the last quarter under the new law, $104,73. This is rather 
a wide contrast, but many other things have expanded in nearly 
the same ratio. The receipts in the post-office at North Nor- 
way are unknown to the writer, but probably are rather small 
compared with the Village office ; still it is a great convenience 
to the upper part of the town. Daniel Noble is post-master. 



I must begin to think about drawing towards the close of 
this imperfect ske|.ch, but before I do that fully, I must be 
indulged in making a few comparisons of raatters and things, 
although comparisons are said, by some, to be invidious ; but 
I will try and not hit any one hard if I can help it ; and, 
furthermore, I do not mean comparisons about persons, but 
about things. 

Half a century ago, our beautiful Village consisted of a 
rude corn-mill, a saw-mill, a blacksmith's shop, and one store, 
where was kept for sale, rum, molasses, sugar, (mostly maple 
sugar) a little tea and coffee, tobacco, salt, salt-fish, and a few 
other groceries ; a little calico, (oftentimes purchased by the 
pattern, say six yards to a pattern in those days) a little India 
cotton shirting and sheeting, a bag of cotton-wool, as it was 
then called, and other little etceteras to make up an assort- 
ment; and was finally a pretty good store for that day. 
There was no school-house in the Village at that time, and 
but two in the whole town. Houses small, poor, few and far 
between, with here and there a barn ; and most of the new 
farms were dotted with a log house and log hovel, and many 



190 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

with nothing but a rude hut to afford nightly shelter to the 
brawny laborer who was reclaiming the land from the wilder- 
ness. Roads were few and poor, and the vehicles of conveyance 
poorer. The new settlers generally had large femilies of 
half-clad, hungry children around them, and everything wore 
the aspect of poverty and want. 

I hope no fastidious reader Avill sneer at the uncouth ap- 
pearance of our town while she was dressed in this simple and 
homely garb of childhood ; for, even at that day, there was 
good promise that improvement in the circumstances of life, 
conveniences, manners, and morals, would succeed those days 
and years of poverty and privation. Now some one, perhaps, 
will ask, what were the grounds of hope for improvement in 
that dark time ? I will tell you. There were many hard 
hands, stout arms, and courageous hearts, not only in the 
fields and woods, but in tiae houses also ; — hearts that did not 
quail at a little hardship. The fxthers AvicMed the axe, the 
handspike, the crowbar, shovel and hoe, with all the other 
implements necessary for new farming, and also all the imple- 
ments necessary for the mechanical business of the times ; 
the sons followed in the footsteps of their fathers. The good 
mothers were well acquainted with the dish-kettle, the frying- 
pan, the churn, and cheese-tub, and almost daily and nightly 
furnished sweet music on the spinning-wheel and loom ; the 
fair daughters did the same. And it is not at all surprising 
to a careful observer, that such causes should produce a great 
and important change in the lapse of half a century. 

But where, now, let me ask, are the first founders of our 
town ? Where the Rusts, the Cummingses, the Eastman, the 
Stevenses, the Hobbses, the Bartletts, the Parsonses, the Witt, 
the Milletts, the Smith, the Woodman, the Pikes, the Her- 
ring, the Noble, the Fuller, the Meriam, the Bennett, the 
Uptons, the Foster, the Holt, the Noyeses, the Sheds, the 
Farrar, the Reed, the Crocketts, the venerable Ames, with a 
iiost of other equally venerable and meritorious names, who 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. . 191 

bore tlic heat and burden of the day in the settlement of this 
town and Village ? Alas ! they have gone to that spirit land, 
from whose bourne no traveler returns ! Let us erect a mon- 
ument of gratitude in our hearts to perpetuate the remembrance 
of the founders of this our beautiful town, who so nobly bat- 
tled with hardships, toil, and sometimes hunger and cold, in 
subduing a wilderness, that they might leave to their poster- 
ity a land flowing with milk and honey. x\nd may posterity 
learn wisdom and prudence from their departed ancestors, 
covering Avith the mantle of charity their fiiults and frailties, 
if any they had, and imitating and multiplying their praise- 
worthy acts. 

Now, let us take a careful view of the advantages, improve- 
ments and conveniences which we enjoy, and see if Ave, as a. 
community, have not a little ground for an honest pride ; and 
cause for great thankfulness for our present situation and 
prospects, when compared Avith former times. For by the 
long-continued practice of industry and economy, our tOAvn 
and Village have made rapid advances in agricultural improA-e- 
ments, in buildings, in mechanical business of almost all kinds, 
and in the mercantile line. AVe have noAV no less than four- 
teen school-houses, a splendid academy, five meeting-houses, 
tAveh'e or fifteen stores, ten or more blacksmith's shops, tAvo 
iron-founderies, seven saw-mills, tAvo grist-mills, clapboard, 
shingle, and lath-machines, plough manufactory, one largo 
carriage manufactory, beside seA'eral smaller ones, goldsmith's 
and gunsmith's shops, milliner's and dress-maker's shops, 
(and fine fingers to do up these matters in elegant style.) 
large shoe and boot establishments, besides many other smaller 
establishments for the accommodation of different parts of the 
toAvn, a large furniture Avarehouse, a printing-press and Weekly 
ncAvspaper, (Avhich, ])y the Avay, does up things pretty Avell.) 
!i large paper-mill of the latest improvement, an extensive 
tannery, apothecary and barber's shops, a book-bindery, card- 
ing and clothier's mills, and tailors to Avork up the cloth in as 



192 ^ HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

good as Boston or New York style, two post-ofEces, three 
attorney's offices, all ably filled, three regularly bred physi- 
cians, all in deservedly high repute, dentists occasionally, (I 
may almost say continually) and patent medicines almost 
anywhere, a splendid hotel in the Village, with a gentlemanly 
landlord, a baker and butcher to supply the daily wants of 
the hungry, besi»les many other things necessary and con- 
venient. 

And now, after seeing you all so well provided for, I must 
commit you to the care of a kind Providence, and bid you 
adieu, fondly hoping that the next half century will be as 
productive of improvements in the condition of the town as 
the preceding half has been. If any should think that I have 
rated things on too low a scale, they must impute it to my 
dull apprehension ; and if too high, the citizens of the town 
must strive to come up to the standard. 



SISTORY OF NORWAF. 193 



RECORD 

0{ deaths in the town of Norway, from 1820 to 1852, as kept, and kindly furnished 
by Mrs. MERCY A. WHITMAN. 

18 2 0. 
May 2, Mrs. Mary .Cleaves, aged "92 years. June 21, 
Solomon Smith, 23, fits. July 12, Maj. Jonatlian Cummings, 
42, suicide. Aug. 23, Judith Ayer, 2, fever ; 25, Capt. 
Henry Rust, 59, consumption ; 30, Edwin P. Reed, 2, dys- 
entery. Sept. 8, Mrs. Whiting, 32 ; 10, Martha C. Tucker, 
S months; 2G, Asa Lovejoy, jr., 47, consumption. Nov. 
20, Child of J. Dolley, 7 months. Dec. 24, Mrs. Tubbs, 68 ; 
26, Miss Martha Davis, 65, fever. 

1821. 
Feb. 5, child of Anjier Tubbs, 17 months ; 21, child of 
William Twombly, 5 months. March 17, child of James 
French, jr. ; 27, Mr. Peter Everett, senior ; one of the early 
settlers, and a native of France ; he came to this country 
previous to the revolution ; 27, child of John Case, 17 months. 
Aug. 25, Martha T^Yombly, 3, dysentery. Sept. 15, Mrs. 
Churchill, 25, consumption. Oct. 29, child of Mr. Lord, 3 
weeks. Nov. 7, Emma Stevens, 38, consumption. 

18 22. 
Feb. 2, child of John Case, 18 months, fever ; 24, Mrs. 
Bartlett, 43, mortification. March, child of Joseph Small, 
17 months ; 26, Mrs. Sarah Eastman, 71, rheumatic con- 
sumption. April 23, Capt. Ward Noyes, 50, fever. May 7, 
Widow Bartlett, 65, apoplexy. Dec. 10, Joseph Frost, 18, 
scrofula ; 10, child of Joseph Shackley. 

1823. 
Jan. 2, child of S. Emery, 6 weeks. April 1, child of 
Thomas Judkins, 18 months ; 2, child of William Reed, 4 
weeks ; 14, Mrs. Moses Houghton, 42 ; 22, child of J. 
Rowe, 10. July 10, child of Mr. Howe, 7, fever. Aug. 9, 
Mr. Enoch Merrill, 80 ; came to Norway in 1802 ; 26, child 
13 



194 HISTORY QF NORWAY. 

of Jonathan Stevens, dysentery ; 27, Martha B. Hall, 4, 
fever; 27, child of Joel Stevens, 1, whooping-cough; 27, 
child of William Corson. Child of John Merrill. Child of 
E. Bancroft, dysentery. Sept. 6, child of N. Morse, lung 
fever. Child of J. Bancroft, dysentery. Sept. 12, Mrs. 
Benjamin Peabody, dysentery ; 13, child of Reuben Hill, 
18 months, dysentery. Three children of Hezekiah Pingree, 
dysentery. Child of E. Merrill, jr., dysentery. Child of 

E. Merrill, dysentery. Child of Mr. Bancroft, dysentery. 
Sept. 14, Mrs. Elijah Flint, dysentery; 20, child of J. Hall, 
1, cough. Child of Mr. Hutchinson, dysentery. Oct. 6, 
child of jM. Lassell, dysentery ; 8, child of Simeon Noble, 4, 
dysentery. Child of David Morse, 9, dysentery. Nov., child 
of John Case, fever. 

18 24. 
Jan. 2, child of J. Knight, fever ; 28, child of Dea. B. 
Herring, quinsy. Feb. 1, Mr. Stephen Latham, 55, colic ; 
16, Andrew Meriam, 19, decline. April 14, child of Israel 
Millett, fever ; 30, Fatima Millctt, 10, quinsy. May 10, Mrs. 
Shed, consumption ; 18, child of Aaron Shackley, 7 weeks, 
fits. June 18, Mrs. Jeremiah Hobbs, 79, lung fever ; she 
was one of the oldest settlers. Aug. 1, child of C. Pike, 4, 
dysentery. Aaron 0. Hall, 18 months, fever. Aug. 8, C. 

F. Pike, 4, dysentery; 23, Martha Bartlett, 10 months, dys- 
entery. Sept. 5, M. E. Greenleaf, 15 months, dysentery ; 
6, Orvella Tucker, 3, canker ; 7, Laura S. Morey, 2 ; 27, 
Catharine Knight, consumption. Oct. 14, William F. Beal, 

15 months. 

18 25. 

Jan. 17, child of J. Pike. James Noyes, consumption. 
March 3, child of W. Mitchell, 2, fever; 26, Mrs. H. Noble, 
58, consumption. April 29, child of J. Hobbs, 8 months. 
May 26, Rebekah Downing, 16, fever. July 12, ^Mrs. H. 
Archer, 84 ; 29, Mrs. Case, 90, dropsy ; she moved into Nor- 
way in 1793, in an ox-cart, from Middleton, Mass. Aug. 2, 



niSTOPvY OF NORWAY. 195 

child of J. Smith, 1, fever ; 15, child of Darius Holt, jr. ; 
27, child of Reuben Hill, 2, dysenteiy. Sept. 3, child of J. 
Shackley, canker; 6, child of William Lord, 1, dysentery; 
16, Lydia M. Fuller, fever; 21, child of William Frost, 4, 
dysentery ; 24, child of J. Pike, 2, dysentery ; 26, child of 
H. Pingree, 3 ; 29, Mrs. S. Smith, 47, jaundice. 
1826. 

March 12, Mr. David Frost, 83, influenza. Maj 0, Mr. 
Eben Cobb, 70, consumption ; 18, Mr. Israel Millett, 40. 
June 3, Mr. William Pierce, 40 ; killed by a tree falling on 
him ; he lived a few days after the accident. Dec. 24, Polly 
Churchill, 3 months. 

18 2 7, 

Jan. 13, Nathan Noble, 65 ; injured fatally by the fall 
of a tree. Bravety Marston, 15, colic. Jan. 23, Mrs. 
Saunders, 45, consumption; 27, Lucinda A. Shackley, 18, 
dropsy. March 9, child of J. Hall, 1. May 8, Mrs. Wink- 
ley, jaundice ; 19, Lydia C. Noble, wife of S. Noble, 22, 
June 6, Mrs. E. Whitmarsh, 70 ; 26, Mrs. Whitney, old age : 
her house was the first building burned in Norway. July 29, 
child of J. Hall, 4 months, quinsy. Aug., Mr. Howard. 
Sept. 3, Mrs. French, 68, consumption ; 3, child of H. Pin- 
gree. Oct. 1, child of D. Holt ; 19, child of M. Upton. 
Nov., child of William Parsons, jr., quinsy. Child of Wil- 
liam Hor. Dec. 28, Mrs. Israel Pike, consumption. 
1828. 

Jan. 12, child of Asa Barton, 5. Child of Mrs. Cushman, 
18 months. March 26, Mrs. Brown, 37, fits. May 12. Ju- 
dith P. Tucker, 4, quinsy ; 23, Ohve Latham, 22, consump- 
tion. June 1, Harriet Foster, 8, fits ; 4, child of J. Hall ; 
21, Mrs. Sally Shackley, 42, consumption. Aug. 19, child 
of Joseph York, 4, dysentei-y ; 23, child of Joseph York, 2,. 
dysentery. Sept. 2, Sally Greenlcaf, 22 ; 4, child of Capt. 
H. Rust, 14 months ; 6, child of D. Young, 4, quinsy. Oct. 
5, child of J. Bennett, 5, quinsy. Nov. 5, Sarah Rust, 4 3-4, 



196 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

quini=!y; 11, Henry Rust, 3, quinsy, Dec. 28, child of J, 
Bradbury. 

18 29. 

Jan. 1, Mrs. Witt, wife of Benj. "Witt, 50, consumption: 
1 7, Hannah Gorham, 20, consumption. March 1 , Mrs. Jo- 
siah Blanchard, 48, fever; 8, John Robinson, 70, dropsy. 
April 18, Levi Frank, 63 ; killed by falling into a cellar 
while moving a house. May 14, Mrs. Ruth Cade, 88. June 
25, Jacob French, 40, fever. July 10, child of Nathaniel 
Millett, 2, lung fever. Aug. 2, child of Levi Shed, dysen- 
tery. Sept. 2, Woodman Bartlett, 8, fever; 30, child of 
Simon Stevens, 16 months, quinsy. Oct. 20, Mrs. John S. 
Shed, 30, consumption. Nov. 19, Harriet Buck, 12, fever; 
25, Mrs. S. Buck, 42, fever ; 28, child of Mrs. Hall, 4 
months. Dec, child of William Lovejoy. 
18 3 0. 

Jan. 2, child of Hoyt Pingree, 13 ; 28, child of John 
Witt, 3, quinsy. Feb. 9, David Smith, 30, fever. May 1, 
Mrs. Jordan, 94, old age. Stephen Curtis, palsy and old 
age. May 25, Clarissa Small, 24, consumption ; 27, child 
of Rufus Bartlett, jr., 6 months. June, Mr. Phinehas Whit- 
ney, 80, consumption ; he had a leg amputated in 1824, 
July 8, Mr. Thomas Hill, 84 ; he was one of Burgoyne's 
men, and finally adopted the country he came to fight. Child 
of H. Pike, whooping-cough. July 26, George L. Smith, 
15, consumption. Aug. 14, Joseph Stevens, 77, decline ; he 
moved the first family into Rustfield ; 30, child of C. Cobb, 
dysentery. Sept. 30, Mrs. Churchill, 50, fever. Oct. 15, 
child of William Churchill ; 23, child of L'a Johnson, 14 
months ; 15, Mrs. M. Millett, 38, fever. 
1831. 

March 2, Edmund Merrill, 52, consumption ; 11, child of 
B. B. Murray, 1. May 18, child of John Witt, 3 months. 
June 30, Otis S. Noyes, son of D. Noyes, 16, consumption. 
July 5, child of John M. Wilson, 6, dysentery. Sept. 17, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 197 

child of M. Smith, 1 month. Nov. 14, child of J. Shackley-, 
18 months, measles ; 16, Simeon Herring, 23. 
18 32. 

March 20, child of Charles Cleaves, 5, scarlet fever ; 23, 
child of same, 7, same disease ; 28, child of same, 3, same 
disease. April 12, child of Dea. B. Herring, 4, same. Child 
of Mr. Rich, 5, same. Child of same, 3 months, same. 
April 13, son of Dea. B. Herring, 17, same; 17, child of 
Benjamin Peabody, jr., 3, sam.e; 20, child of Mr. Rich, 
same ; 21, Henry Herring, 13, same ; 23, child of Robert 
Frost, 4, same. Child of jNIr. Rich, 3, same. May 6, child 
of J. Holt, 2, same ; 9, child of same, 4, same ; 11, Mrs. 
Barrows, 27, fever; 19, child of Cyrus Cobb; 24, child of 
J. Andrews, 1, canker rash. June 11, child of Mr. Tucker, 
2, lung fever ; 19, child of William C. Whitney, 3, canker 
rash ; 24, child of Gen. William Parsons, 5, lung fever. 
July 14, child of J. Hobbs, 3 months ; 15, William Tother- 
ly, 48 ; 20, child of James Hill, 2, canker rash ; 25, child 
of same, 12, same. Aug. 11, child of Reuben Hill, 1, same ; 
16, Mrs. Jere Henley, 35, consumption. Sept. 6, child of 
B. Barrows, 5, canker rash ; 16, Algernon Cox, 6, same. 
Oct. 4, child of Dr. J. S. Millett, 1 month; 27, Mrs. John 
Ourney, 32. Xov. 15, Mrs. Frost, 78. 
18 3 3. 

Feb. 9, Jonas Stevens, 84, palsy; 24, Elizabeth Real, 12, 
typhus fever ; 27, Mrs. Joseph Rounds, consumption. April, 
child of E. Merrill, 6. July, child of A. Fuller, 5, canker 
rash; Aug. 25, David Stevens, 2 1-2, same. Sept. 28, 
child of J. Holt, same. Oct. 3, child of Mr. Hale. Dec. 

16, child of J. Hobbs, 8. 

18 34. 

Jan. 5, Mrs. Robbins, 48, fever; 18, Mrs. Ephraim Briggs, 

dropsy; 24, Mrs. Twombly, fever. Feb. 1, cbild of Daniel 

Cummings, 1; 14, Eliza Fuller, consumption; 15, wife of 

William Frcst, 41 , fever ; 18, tLld of game, 2 weeks. March 



198 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

T, child of A. Fuller, 1. May 17, Charles L. Hobbs, 18, 
fever ; 26, Capt. John Rust, 72, erysipelas ; 29, David Gor- 
liam, 72, consumption. June 19, child of Henry Pike, 7- 
Sept. Jacob Parsons, 58, consumption. Nov. 22, Mrs. Nan- 
cy Cummings, 

18 3 5. 

Feb. 4, Hannah Holt, wife of Uriah Holt, 46, consump- 
tion ; 25, Mrs. Riggs, 19, same. March 19, wife of Sila;^ 
Meriam, 55, same ; 28, child of Benjamin Tucker, 6 months. 
April 22, David Whitcomb, 65, killed by logs rolling on him 
while at work. June 9, Mrs. Sally Smith, 37, consumption ; 
13, child of Hiram Millett, 10 months ; 13, Elmira Hor, 18, 
consumption ; 28, Mrs. Eunice Bartlett, 38, in a fit. July 
11, Mrs. Gammon, 65, suddenly; 25, child of Elliot Smith, 
10 months ; 28, Mary Crockett, 20, cancer. Aug. 8, Sew- 
all G. Ordway, 29, consumption : 27, Mrs. Joseph JNTorse, 
25, same. Nov. 12, Mrs. Adaline A. Real, 28, same. Child 
of William Brown, 3 months. 

1836. 

Jan.. 16, child of J. Rounds, 9 months ; 17, Louisa Cush- 
man, 27, consumption. Feb. 5, Nathan Foster, senior, 72. 
found dead in his barn-yard. March 19, Zachariah Weston, 
75, decline ; 22, child of Andrew Mills, fever. April 4, Jo- 
seph Bradbury, 67, erysipelas ; 22, child of Asa Thayer, 1 
month ; 29, child of H. C. Reed, 15 months. May 21, Mrs. 
Alexander Mills, 60, decline; 31, Martha Hobbs, 11, disease 
of the heart. July 30, Mrs. Mary Cushman, 28, dropsy, 
Aug. 1, Mrs. Anna French, 40. consumption ; 3, Mrs. E. 
Hall, 60, same ; 5, Mrs. John Case, 47, cancer ; 11, child 
of Thomas Pool, cougli. Sept. 28, wife of Thomas Chase, 
28, consumption. Oct. 11, Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin 
Flint, 70, same ; 21, wife of Stephen Pingree, senior, 84, 
same ; 30, Mary Jane Upton, 28, same. Nov., Maj. Elijah 
Hall, 72, cancer. Dec. 20, Mrs. Daniel Knight, 74, con- 
sumption. 



HlgTORY OF NORWAY. 199 

18 3 7. 

Jan. 8, Col. Amos Town, suddenly ; 19, Natlian Foster, 
jr., 45, fever. Feb. 6, child of M. Lassell, 5, fever ; 14, 
child of Asa Pool, quinsy. March 10, Sally, wife of David 
Noble, 30, spine complaint; 17, Sally Crockett, 30, dropsy^ 
April 14, Jane Bodwell, 27, consumption. June 21, child 
of A. Fuller. July 4, Bradley Foster, 13, drowned in mill- 
pond in Greenwood : 20, child of Titus 0. Brown, jr., 2 1-2, 
canker rash ; 24, John Brown, 14, same. Aug. 14, child of 
He\iry Pike, 18 months ; 24, Mr. Carr, a stranger, 60, colic ; 
25, child of William Pingree, 6, canker rash ; 29, Lorenzo 
D. Shackley, 24, consumption. Sept. 11, child of M. Pi 
Smith, 23 months, Nov. 11, Ann J. Witherbee, 13, canker 
rash ; 30, child of S. Merrill, 4, same. Dec. 5, S. Coffin, 
24, consumption. 

18 38. 

March 1, Mrs. Abagail Fuller, 72, influenza ; 29, Martha 
M. Young, 11, fever; 30, child of L. Millett, 3, canker rash. 
Apivl 3, Amos Upton, 96, old age ; 19, child of Paul Twom- 
bly, 1. Child of Jabez Chubb. May 18, child of Dresser 
Stevens ; 23, Cyrus Lord, 26, consumption ; 30, Ephraim 
Barrows, 77, decline. July 15, Archelaus Fuller, 35, colic; 
30, Dudley Pike, 73, decline. Aug. 9, child of Wm. Hall, 
2 weeks; 16, child of Dr. L. Trijjp, 16 months. Sept. 13, 
child of J. Greenleaf, 1 month ; 25, child of E. Flint, 4. 
Mrs. William Frost, 44. Nov. 12, wife of William Hall, 
32, consumption. Dec. 15, Jonathan Saunders, 62, insanity ; 
he attempted to destroy his own life several years before, by 
cutting his throat, but did not cut quite deep enough, and 
most of the time afterwards Avas a i-aving maniac. 
18 3 9. 

Jan. 21. Jacob Frost, 84, old age; he was wounded at 
Bunker Hill. Feb. 2, daughter of John Perry, 8, quinsy.. 
Child of Willif^m liord, 4 months. Samuel Andrews, 68, 
consumption. Child of William Twombly, 5, canker rash. 



200 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

March 10, child of Amos Briggs, 9 months; 19, Chloe Cobb, 
78, consuiaptioii ; 20, child of Joel Millett, 10 months; 3-1^ 
child of J. Stanley, 18- months. April 10, Mrs. John Mil- 
lett, 78, consumption ; 30, wife of Dudley Pike, 82, dropsy. 
John B. Ford, 38, consumption. May 4, Mrs. L. Houghton, 
37, same. June 3, Amos Hobbs, 77, dropsy — one of the 
first settlers ; 19, Sally Parsons, 21, palsy. July IG, child 
of Henry C. Reed, 5 months. Aug. 6, Sally S. Hale, 11, 
colic ; 17, child of Wm. Bcal, 5, dysentery. Child of Dr. 
L. Tripp, 1 month. Sept. 10, Mrs. Peter Buck, 80, con- 
sumption ; 16, Mrs. Zebedee Perry, 81, dropsy. Child of 
Mrs. Town, 2, dysentery. Sept. 19, child of Henry W. Mil- 
lett, 7 months. Child of J. Saunders, 15 months. Oct. 16, 
Edmund Frost, colic. Dec. 22, child of David P. Hanaford, 
18 months ; 29, Josiah Blanchard, 70 ; 30, M. A. McAllis- 
ter, 16, dysentery. 

1840. 

Jan. 13, Mrs. Thomas Hill, 90, old age March 21, Miss- 
Pool, 18, colic ; 4, Mrs. H. Giles, G(i, consumption ; 25, child 
of Simon Stevens, 7. April 24, John Needham, 80, palsy ; 
25, Mrs. Joel Frost, 64, apoplexy. May 18, Elizabeth Whit- 
man, 42, dropsy. June 27, Mary A. Colins, 22, consump- 
tion. Sept. 22, child of Elliot Smith, 2.; 3, Miss Stevens, 
65, consumption. Lovejoy, 16, fever. Oct. 18, Mrs. Pool, 
30, same; 21, Mrs. Thaddeus Brown, 64, dropsy — she was 
the widow of Capt. Ward Noyes. Nov. 6, David Woodman, 
93 ; 7, Mrs. H. Shackley, 52, consumption ; 30, Mrs. Eben 
Bancroft, 56, same. Dec. 4, John Ames, 9, drowned; 31, 
wife of Joshua Smith, 65, con&umption. 
184 1. 

Jan. 3, Joel Town, lung fever ; 7, Henry L. Noyes, son 
of D. Noyes, 28, consumption. Feb. 25, Mrs. Chubb, fever. 
March 10, wife of Henry Noble, same; 21, child of M. P. 
Smith, 8 months. April 10, widow of Joseph Stevens, 83, 
hurt fatally by a fall — the first woman who cams into Nor- 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 201. 

way ; 20, child of Moses Ames, 5 months. May 15, wife 
of M. P. Smith, 31, consumption ; 17, Willis Sampson, 65, 
cancer and dropsy. June 2, Josephine Young, 33, consump- 
tion ; 25, wife of Moses Ames, 33, same ; 20, Mr. Francis, 
79, stoppage. Aug. 2, Diana Ames, 9, fits. Sept. 14, 
Nancy Jones, consumption; 24, chikl of Dr. N. Grant, 1, 
dysentery. Oct. 21, child of E. Brown, 1 month; 29, child 
'jf J. Turner, 2 months. 

1842. 
Feb. 12, Malvina Frank, 5; 18, child of W. Eamsdell, 4, 
canker rash ; 22, child of same, 2, same ; 24, child of Aaron 
Shackley, 4, same. March 2, Desire Tubbs, 19, consump- 
tion ; 5, child of Cephas Sampson, 2, canker rash ; 20, child 
of Seba Gammon, same ; 22, child of J. Richardson, scarlet 
fever. April 3, child of Amos Briggs, same ; 21, Mrs, 
Churchill, 76, consumption ; 24, child of H. W. Millctt, 2 - 
29, child of Rev. T. J. Tenney, 15 months, canker rash ; 29, 
Jonathan Hall, 52, apoplexy. May 5, child of A. Thayer, 

I, canker rash; 12, child of A. A. Latham, 2 1-2, same; 
14, child of A. Thayer, 3, same; 31, Sarah Maria Noyes, 
only daughter of D. Noyes, 18, consumption. June 4, child 
of Wm. Hall, 6, canker rash ; 15, Catherine Tubbs, 9, con- 
sumption. Child of Mr. McAllister, 7, canker rash. July 

II, Widow Prince, 73, apoplexy. Aug. 11, Asa Pool, 50, 
consumption ; 14, Wm. Lord, Jr., 26, sciatica ; 31, Hannah 
Tubbs, 16, consumption. Sept. 20, John Pierce, son of 
Wm. Pierce, 24, canker rash ; 22, child of E. L. Knight. 
Wife of Henry Pike, 43, fever. Mrs. Thompson, 91, old age. 
Oct. 9, Maria P. K. Holt, daughter of Uriah Holt, 18, con- 
sumption ; 10, Lydia Frost, 21, dropsy ; 23 and 24, two 
children of Reuben Noble, canker rash : 28, wife of Lee 
Mixer, 34, consumption. Benjamin Witt, 77, palsy — the 
first blacksmith. Nov. 6, Peter Buck, 94, old age — the first 
shoemaker; 24, Mrs. Ruth Rust, 79, jaundice. Son of 
Daniel Town, 10, canker rash. Dec. 13, child of Wilham 
Hall, 3, scalded. Mrs. Serena Frost, 31, fever. 



202 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

1843. 

Feb. 20, RichaKl ]\Iorse, 15, fever. William Hobbs, 63, 
consumption. Feb. 21, Dorcas Knight, 18, same ; 22, child 
of J. Morse, jr., 3 weeks. April 4, Mrs. Bullen, 48, con- 
sumption ; 6, Sarah Rust, 13, erysipelas ; 10, Joel Frost, 
jr., 53, fever. Child of Mr. Smith, 2. May 2 and 3, Jo- 
sephine, 2, Harriet D., 4, children 'of J. N. Hall, whooping 
cough ; 17, child of Pleaman Holt ; 26, Catharine G. Noyes. 
Avife of H. L. Noyes, 32, consumption. Esther Herring, 
insanity. June 23, widow of Eben Cobb, 90, consumption. 
July 10, Mrs. Amelia Wilkins, dropsy. Sept. 21, Harriet 
Crockett, 19, fever; 23, child of John Howe, 14 months. 
Oct. 8, Ebenezer Hobbs, 2d, 17, from wounds received at a 
husking ; 26, Joshua Smith, 73, consumption. Nov. 8, 
Catharine Morse, 11, fever. Dec. 1, John Millett, 76, in- 
fluenaa ; 7, Mrs. Israel Pike, fever. 
1844. 

Jan. 8, wife of Samuel Ames, 85, influenza. Feb. 11, 
child of Silas Meriam, jr., 8 months. Child of John S. 
Shed, 14 months, scalded. Feb. 29, Samuel Cutter, 56, ap- 
oplexy. March 13, Mrs. Cushman, 47, lung fever; 4, Mrs. 
Herring, 83. April 16, Thomas J. Everett, 38, brain fever. 
May 16, child of Otis True, 1, scarletina. July 20, wife of 
AVm. Parsons, 83 ; 30, Silas Meriam, 76, palsy. Sept. 8, 
Mrs. Sarah Crockett, 77, dropsy; 13, Theodosia E. Stetson, 
18, consumption. Oct. 7, Mrs. John Swift, 82 ; 25, Martha 
Whitmarsh, 27, consumption ; 29, Ephraim Brown, 56, 
Nov. 2, wife of J. N. Hall, consumption. 
1845. 

Jan. 8, Dea. Wm. Parsons, 85, old age ; 18, Mrs. Mary 
Hall, 57, consumption. Feb. 4, Benj. Herring, 84, old age: 
23, Josiah Hill, 80, palsy ; 28, Job Eastman, 95, old age. 
April 11, Harriet E. P. Goodnow, 14, diabetes ; 12, Avife of 
Pleaman Holt, 34, consumption. June 4, wife of Asa Hicks. 
'64, dropsy. July 6, Harriet W. Henley, 20, consumption ; 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 203 

20, Catharine Ilobbs, 17, fever. Aug. 10, Mrs. Peter Town, 
59, fever ; 20, cliild of Samuel Foster, 1 ; 24, Mrs. Brad- 
bury, 79, decline. Child of Mr. Jordan, 3. Sept. 15, Hen- 
ry L. Crockett, 28, fever: 23, Mary M. Phelps, 21, same ; 
27, Avife of J. Rounds, 27, consumption. Oct. 30, Joshua 
Crockett, 54, from obstruction of the swallow and stomach. 
Dec. IG, wife of Henry Noble, fever ; 24, Daniel Watson, 
senior, 83, asthma and consumption ; 29, John Frost, 77. 
1846. 

Jan. 7, wife of L. Hathaway, consumption. Feb., Mrs. 
Mercy Hobbs, same. April 11, Daniel Young, 64, same. 
Child of Mrs. Everett, 2. April 27, Miss Tarbox, 80, jaun- 
dice. June 18, wife of H. Rust, 55, consumption : 28, Mrs. 
Anie Morse, 68, same. Aug. 4, Mrs. Sarah Rust, 83 ; 18, 
child of D. Cummings. Sept. 1, Mrs. Mercy Woodman, 75, 
consumption ; 22, wife of J. B. Richardson, 29, and tAviu 
children. Oct. 6. wife of Lemuel Shed, 88, consumption ; 
22, Wilson Hill, 19, fever. Nov. 19. wife of S. Greenleaf. 
jr., 38 ; 27, Asa Danforth, jr., 5, fever. Dec. 16, IShs. 
Hannah Hill, 45. fever. 

184 7. 

Jan. 17, Mrs. Lydia Tubbs, 61, consumption ; 19, Mrs, 
Rebekah Frost, 80 ; she was the widow of Nathaniel Stevens, 
one of the early settlers, whose family "was at one time dis- 
tressed for want of food. Feb. 17, child of J. Bancroft, 20 
months. March 31. Mrs. Sargeant, 22. April 15, Joseph 
York, jr., 19, hurt in a saw-mill; 16, Helen M. Noyes, 5, 
dropsy ; 17, William Cox, 73, consumption ; 20, widow of 
Amos Upton, consumption ; 26, Mrs. Nancy Hobbs, 59, con- 
sumption. May 2, child of Cephas Sampson, 2, croup. 
June 3, son of AndrcAV Mills, 13, consumption ; 13, Lucy 
Jane Perry, 20, same ; 16, wife of John Frost, 72, fit : wife 
of Wm. Lord, 50, fever. July 3, i\Irs. Mercy Bartlctt, 80, 
consumption : 11, child of Lyman Bird, 2 ; 16, George E. 
Smith. 15 : 23, wife of Jacob Parsons, suddenly : 27, Mrs. 



204 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

Esther Jordan, 75, consumption. Sept. 3, wife of John 
March, 77, same ; 10, child of Wm. C. Pierce, 2 ; 30, wife 
of Aaron Shackley, 47, cancer. Oct. 7, child of Wm. Brown, 
6 ; 8, child of Amos F. Noyes, 3, fever ; 24, wife of Col. 
A. Town, 67, fall, and dropsy. Nov. 18, Cyrus Cobb, 54, 
killed by a fall in his barn ; 25, David Morse, 75, dropsy. 
Dec. 6, John Parsons, 85 ; 7, child of J. S. French, 20 
months ; 20, child of i\I. P. Smith, 9 months. 
1848. 
Jan. 16, Caroline Pike ; 29, Emily Chandlter, 27, con- 
sumption. Feb. 1, Asa Barton, 54, same; 10, Matthias 
Smith, 42, found dead ; 21, James Packard, 89, old age. 
March 5, daughter of Mr. Herrick, 14, dropsy : 27, Mrs, 
David Gorham, 80, consumption. April 20, Mrs. Merrill, 
85. May 30, Jonathan G. Town, 28, brain fever. June 11,. 
wife of Matthew Lassell, 53, consumption ; 29, child of E. 
L. Knight, 4 1-2, fever. July 19, Rufus Bartlett, 87, old 
age ; 25, Zephaniah Frost, 63 ; 29, Ann Lassell, 27, con- 
sumption. Sept. 4, Joseph Small, 74, same ; 7, wife of Amog 
Hobbs, 89, old age — one of the first settlers ; 16, John Case, 
75, cancer. Oct. 2, Mrs. John Parsons, 80. Nov. 2, child 
of Mr. Rowe ; 26, William Walton, 45, fever ; 28, William 
Reed, the first post-master, 73, consumption. Dec. 29, Ellen 

Flint, 17, same. 

184 9. 

March 10, child of J. Morse, 10 weeks ; 17, child of James 

Merrill, 2, whooping cough. Timothy Jordan, 82, old age. 

Child of Hiram Millctt. April, Ezra Stevens, 40, fits ; 25, 

Sophia L. Frost, 13. Susannah Tubbs, 90, non compos 

mentis. May 13, Avidow Ripley, Q>S, cancer; 26, child of 

A. P. Burnell, 14 months. June 9, child of Mr. Tucker ; 

21, Uriah Holt, Esq., 73, gravel. July 12, Charles Tubbs, 

68, consumption ; 21, widow Anthony Bennett, 70, same; 

24, wife of Solomon Millett, 76, same ; 27, Rcbekah Everett, 

14, croup ; 31, child of Asa S. Pool, 14 months. Aug. 25, 



HISTORY OF NORWAY. 205 

Annie Shattuck, 2, dysentery ; 21, Frederic Tucker, 2 1-2, 
same ; 24, chikl of A. Smith, same ; 25, cliikl of J. H. Mer- 
rill, 2 1-4, same ; 28, child of Mr. Stevens. Sept. 3, child 
of F. Manning, same ; 4, Mrs. Ridlon, 50, same ; 5, Mrs. 
Stevens, 31, same ; G, Gilbert Noble, 21, same ; 10, child of 
E. Ames, 14 months, same; 11, child of P. L. Pike, 11 
months, same ; 12, child of J. Morse, 4, same ; 15, child of 
E. P. Fitz, 19 months, same ; 19, child of Ezra Shackley, 9 
months, same; 20, child of J. H. Morse, 1, same ; 21, child 
of Mr. Raymond, 9 months, same ; 22, Mr, Woodbury, 65, 
same ; 23, child of Thomas Higgins, same ; 24, child of Mr. 
Holden, 1, same. Child of James Merrill, 3, same. Oct. 
11, Mrs. Chloe Holt, 80, consumption; 13, Mrs. Mason, 50, 
dysentery. Child of Mr. Sargent, 2, same. Nov. 5, Aaron 
^Chandler, 30, same. 

18 5 0. 
Jan 12, wife of E. J. Pottle, 35, consumption ; 15, wife 
of A. Thayer, 40, fever. Mrs. Clark, fever. William C. 
Brooks, 74, dysentery. Child of William Hall, same. Child 
of Daniel Hobbs, same. Daniel Davis, 24, consumption. 
Feb. 15, Jeremiah Hobbs, 64, same. Joel Stevens, 95, old 
age. Wife of G. W. Seaverns, 25, consumption. Josiah 
Hill, 30, same. May, Michael Welsh, 9, scrofula. Harriet 
N. Noyes, 30, consumption. Harriet B. Morse. Child of 
Reuben Noble, July 20, Jonathan Woodman, 78, sudden. 
Child of A. Smith, 13. July 30, wife of Jonathan Pottle, 
82. Aug. 3, wife of James Crockett, 59, diarrhoea ; 10, 
Wm. Churchill, 54, consumption; 12, David Woodman 
Bartlett, 19, brain fever. Child of J, Hannaford, J, dysen- 
tery. Mrs. Brown, 70, consumption. Aug. 18, child of 
Ephraim H. Brown, 2, dysentery ; 24, daughter of John 
Bird, 19, brain fever. Child of Edmund IMerrill, 2. Sept. 
3, daughter of Sewall Crockett, 21, fever ; 11, child of Charles 
Parsons, 8, same ; 22, Eli Grover, 34, same ; 25, child of 
Henry Small, 14 months. Oct, 5, wife of L. Hathaway, 34, 



206 HISTORY OF NORWAY. 

consumption ; 6, child of William Cox, 4 months ; 10, Tvife 
of Simeon Walton, 72, fever; 13, child of M. P. Smith, 18 
months ; 23, William Beal, 81, old age ; 28, Eunice Ban- 
croft, 28, consumption. Nov. 3, wife of Sewall Crockett, 50, 
fever ; 14, wife of S. S. Hall, 30, consumption. Child of 
J. Greenleaf, 8 weeks. Nov. 24, wife of D. Pottle, 44, con- 
sumption. Child of Wm. C. Pierce, 7, dysentery. Dec. 7, 
child of A. T. Murphy, 1, scalded; 30, Ansel Ross, 30, con- 
sumption. Four children died in the north part of the town ; 

names unknown. 

18 51. 

Jan. 2, daughter of Horsley Shed, 7, canker rash ; 17j 
Hannah Jordan, 76 ; 15, child of Mr. Gelderman, 1 ; 25, 
Betsey Witt, 48, consumption. April, Mrs. Forhes, 70, 
palsy; 21, Lois T. Cobb, 15, consumption. May 22, Ann 
M. Woodbridge, 19, same ; 25, Levi Shed, 55, same. June, 
daughter of M. Parsons, 15, same ; 17, Daniel Watson, 50, 
same ; 25, wife of Samuel Foster, same. July 14, child of 
J. B. Stuart, 8 months ; 26, James Foster, 6, fever. Aug. 
4, child of T. J. Needham, 4, canker rash ; 4, Mrs. Benja- 
min Jordan, 60, consumption ; 23, Mrs. William Frost, 48, 
same ; 27, child of Rev. E. F. Quinby, 4, croup. Child of 
Lewis Shackley, 3 weeks. Sept. 2, Mrs. Wentworth, 72, 
jaundice; 10, child of W. W. Hobbs, 4, cholera morbus; 10, 
wife of H. W. Strong, 37, consumption ; 18, wife of Wilhara 
Frost, 3d, 28, same. Oct. 7, child of H. W. Strong, 5 
months ; 24, Abigail Parsons, 54, fits ; 30, wife of Titus 0, 
Brown, 82, congestion of the lungs. Nov. 4, wife of Daniel 
Holt, 68, consumption ; 24, child of Clark Knight, 4. Dec. 
25, child of Mahalon Crockett. 

185 2. 

Jan. 4, child of Charles Walton, 5, croup ; 14, Elizabeth 
Cobb, 20, consumption. John Richardson, 80, same, Jan. 
27, H. Mclntire, 83, dropsy ; 28, Widow Ellis, 82, consump- 
tion ; 29, child of Reuben Noble, 5; canker rash. Feb. 2, 



HISTORY OF XORWAY. 207 

A. Dunham, 4G, decline. March 1, I. Merrill, 32, consump- 
tion ; 6, Mrs. Frances Chandler, 58, stoppage ; 8, Mrs. Sarah 
Farwell, 63, consumption; 18, Samuel Ames, 93, palsy; 
28, Nancy Morse, 8. April 9, Nathaniel Millett, 80, dropsy 
and apoplexy. Ellen F., 7, 22, Rebecca G., 1 5-6, daugh- 
ters of Dr. Jesse Howe, both congestion of the lungs. May 
11, Daniel Witt, 24, killed on railroad. June 15, Mrs. Ma- 
ry Frost, 68, consumption. William K. Emery, 54, same. 
July 12, wife of John Bird, 76, same ; 21, Clara Sophia, 
daughter of Gen. William Parsons, 17, fever; 10, Avife of A. 

A. Latham, 36 ; 24. Avife of Daniel Herring, dropsy ; 20, 
Gen. William Parsons, Qij, fever. Aug. 3, wife of William 

B. Upton, 24, consumption ; 24, Avife of Martin Stetson, 
palsy ; 26, Rev. EdAvin F. Quinby, just from California, fe- 
ver. Sept. 29, Avife of Otis True, 31, consumption. Oct. 
11, William B. Upton, stoppage of stomach ; 19, wife of 
Benjamin RoAve, 82. dropsy ; 25, Ebenezer Bancroft, jr., 
fever. Wife of John Witt. 



PATRONS. 



As a grateful acknowledgment of tlie liberal patronage 
bestowed on the preceding work by the citizens of the town 
of Norway, and by many gentlemen of other towns, the writer 
cheerfully embraces the opportunity of publishing a list of its 
patrons at the close of the book, believing that it will be 
gratifying to future generations to look back, and see the lib- 
erality displayed for the purpose of preserving from oblivion 
the memories and names of those who have patiently and 
perseveringly labored to build up the town to its present 
prosperous condition, from what was formerly a howling wil- 
derness, and only the abode of savage beasts, and more 
savage men. 

The reader will probably see, and if not, may plainly 
understand, that the writer has purposely omitted saying 
anything about political parties of any description, or any of 
the prevailing isms of the present day ; as he thinks there will 
be enough of the acrimony and bitterness of party strife go 
down to future generations without making a book record for 
its preservation. Neither does he intend to hide himself be- 
hind the oft-rcsorted-to-screeii of belonging to no party, or 
sect; for his political course has always been distinctly 
marked, and known, and probably will continue the same, 
until he sees a sufficient reason for changing his opinion. 
The present age is an age of progress, and (he hopes) of 
improvement, in the diffusion of knowledge, and in the ame- 
lioration of the condition of the human family ; and time only 
14 



210 



NAMES OP PATRONS, 



■will develop whether the conflicting exertions of the various 
parties and organizations will ultimately tend to promote the 
prosperity and happiness, first of our own nation, and then 
of the whole human family. This is a momentous question, 
the consideration of which ought to have a large place in the 
mind of every considerate and candid person. 



NAMES OF PATRONS. 




William Wirt Virgin, 


2 


Solomon S. Hall, 


1 


Moses B. Bartlett, 


2 


Jeremiah Howe, 


1 


Edwin W. Howe, 


1 


Jeremiah W. Hobbs, 


1 


Dr. Jesse Howe, 


1 


Asa Thayer, 


1 


John Deering, 


1 


Mark P. Smith, 


1 


Adna C. Denison, 


2 


Elbridge G. Allen, 


1 


Otis True, 


2 


Enoch L. Knight, 


1 


1 

Levi Whitman, 


1 


Ceylon Watson, 


1 


Ezekiel C. Jackson, 


1 


Henry Rust, 


2 


George F. Kimball, 


1 


Loren H. Wrisley, 


1 


Thomas F. Beal, 


1 


Dudley Pike, 


1 


Joseph A. Small, 


1 


Aaron Shackley, 


1 


John C. Kimball, 


1 


Franklin Manning, 


1 


James Crockett, 


1 


Granville L. Reed, 


1 


Samuel Favor, 


1 


Samuel Crockett, Oxford, 


1 


Robert Pike, Oxford, 


1 


Ansel Dinsmore, 


1 


Ebenezer C. Shackley, 


1 


Oren Hobbs, Portland, 


1 


Edmund Ames, 


1 


William R. Danforth, 


1 


William Parsons, 


1 


Francis A. Danforth, 


1 


Thomas Higgins, 


1 


Nathaniel Bennett, 


2 


Ebenezer Hobbs, 


1 


Josiah P. Lovejoy, 


1 


Thomas G. Benson, 


1 


John Beal, 


1 


Aurelius C. Noble, 


1 


George W. Seaverns, 


1 


James H. Merrill, 


1 


Titus 0. Brown, jr., 


1 


Chandler F. Millett, Oxford, 1 


John W. Raymond, 


1 


Thomas H. Kelley, 


1 


Francis H. Whitman, 


1 



NAMES OF PATRONS, 



211 



Isaac A. Denison, 


1 


Lee Mixer, 
Amos T. ]\Iurpliy, 
Horatio G. Cole, 


1 
1 

2 


Joshua B. Stuart, 


1 


Jonathan Bhike, 


1 


Silas Bates, 


1 



William M. R. Lunt, 1 

John Dealy, 1 

Thomas Pool, 1 

Charles Pike, 1 
William D. Cordwcll, Paris, 1 

Isaac Bartlett, 1 

Elliot Smith, 1 

William Needham, 1 

Henry W. Millett, 1 

Cephas Sampson, 1 

Thomas T. Hobbs, 1 

Ebenezer P. Fitz, 1 

Richard Evans, 1 

Samuel Gibson, 1 

Elijah R. Merrill, 1 

George H. Bernard, 1 

James C. Bulpit, 1 

Grovesnor Crockett, 1 

Ichabod Bartlett, 2 

Otis F. Mixer, 1 

Isaac Bolster, 1 

Moses Ames, 1 

Ephraim H. Brown, 1 

John S. Hutchius, 1 

David McAllister, 1 

Joel Parkhurst, 1 

Dr. Asa Danforth, 2 

James S. Greeuleaf, 1 



George L. Bcal, 1 
J.W. B.Welcome, Oxford, 1 

Isaac Bennett, 1 

Benjamin Barrows, 1 

Sewall Crockett, jr., 1 

Alfred P. Burnell, 1 

Zebulon Rowe, 1 

George W. Mann, 1 
Peter W. Buck, Greenwood, 1 

William C. Whitliey, 1 

Moses A. Young, 1 

Charles S. Mallett, 1 

Samuel Partridge, 1 

Jeremiah H. Hall, 1 

Sumner Hale, 1 

Samuel Cobb, jr., 1 

William Hayes, 1 

Samuel P. Frost, 1 

Ezra F. Beal, 2 

Edwin Stetson, 1 
Stuart H. Noble, Portland, 1 

Charles P. Kimball, G 

John AVoodman, 1 
James L. Shackley, Paris, 1 

Jesse Howe, Sumner, 1 

Jonathan B. Smith, 2 

William P. Witt, 1 

Luther F. Foster, 1 

Daniel Holt, 3d, 1 

William B. Upton, 1 

Simon Stevens, 2d, 1 

Anthony Bennett, 1 

Nathaniel G. French, 1 

Charles Parsons, 1 

Isaac Farrington, 1 



212 



NAMES or PATRONS. 



Wasliington Noyos, 1 

Reuben Noble, 1 

Aaron Wilkins, 1 

Theodore L. Lassell, 1 
Rufus Bartlett, Greenwooil, 1 

William P. Buck, 1 

James Merrill, 1 

Simon Stevens, 1 



William D. Paine, 


1 


Uriah H. Upton, 


1 


James Tubbs, 


1 


Calvin Shed, 


1 


William Pingrec, 


1 


Perry D, Judkins, 


1 


Darius M. Holt, 


1 


Wilham Frost, jr., 


1 


John S. Shed, 


1 


Dudley B. Holt, 


1 


Simeon Noble, 


1 


David B. Crockett, 


1 


llorsley Shed, 


1 


William Hall, 


1 


William Cox, 


1 


Augustus Herrick, 


1 


Thomas Melzeard, 


1 


Amos T. Holt, 


2 


Elijah H. Hobbs, 


1 


Simeon Frost, 


1 


Ansel Town, 


1 


Jeremiah Foster, 


1 


Luke Fletcher, 


1 


George W. Sholcs, 


1 


John Bird, jr.. 


1 


George Frost, 


1 


Henry C. Reed, 


1 



Nathan Millett, 1 

Rev. J. L. Stevens, 1 

Joseph A. Bradbury, 1 

Johnson Frost, - 1 

Thomas Witt, 1 

Amos F. Noyes, 1 

John Millett, 1 

Lorenzo D. Hobbs, 1 

Charles Penley, 1 

David B. Noyes, 1 

Mahalon Crockett, 1 

Joel INIillett, 1 

James Bennett, 1 

David T. Frost, 1 

Henry Pike, 1 

Rodolphus Young, 1 

Dudley Woodbridge, 1 

Thos. Judkins, Greenwood, 1 

Brackett Marston, 1 

Nathaniel Pike, 1 

Ethiel Stevens, Greenwood, 1 

W. Stevens, Cambridge, Ms. 1 

John A. Holmes, Paris, 1 

Addison A. Latham, 1 

Joseph A. Kendall, 1 

William Frost, 3d, 1 

Elhanan W. Fyler, Minot, 1 

Henry Upton, 1 

Lawson Coburn, Greenwood, 1 

James Hill, 1 

Jacob F. Holt, Pennsylvania, 1 

Benjamin Jordan, 1 

Stephen G. Seavey, 1 

George P.Whitney, Oxford, 1 

William E. Goodnow, 1 



NAMES or PATRONS. 



213 



Josepli S. Rounds, 1 

Isaac N. Small, 1 
Eben. Marston,TVaterford, 1 

Benj. Marston, " 1 

Albion Buck, 1 

Charles Newliall, 1 

Epliraim Briggs, 1 

Jacob Parsons, 1 

Luther F. Pike, 2 

Jonathan Pottle, 1 

George W. Parsons, 1 

William Hall, 2a, 1 

Solomon Millett, 1 

Hiram Millett, 1 

Seba Gammon, 1 

Richard Lombard, 1 

John P. Jordan, 1 

John Pike, 1 

William Frost, 1 

Zachary Carey, 1 

John Frost, 1 

Samuel Lord, 1 

George W. Everett, 1 

Alpha B. Everett, 1 

Wilson Hill, 1 

Osgood Perry, 1 

Henry Noble, 1 
William W. D. S. Millett, 1 

Jonathan Whitehouse, 1 

Thomas Hill, 1 

Benjamin Tucker, jr., 1 

Alanson B. Watson, 1 

Nathaniel G. Bacon, 1 

Charles Jackson, 1 

Charles L. Francis, 1 



James Smith, 1 
Nath. Andrews, Otisfield, 1 
Lewis Crockett, Andovcr, 1 

James N. Hall, 1 
Henry R. Webber, Oxford, 1 

John Merrill, 1 
Dan. Merrill, Methuen, Ms. 1 

Samuel W. Saunders, 1 

Stephen Merrill, 1 

Henry Merrill, 1 

John Bancroft, 1 

Sumner Frost, 1 

Andrew Case, 1 

John Coffin, 1 

Joel Frost, 1 

Ebenezer Crowell, 1 

William P. French, 1 

Elijah Flint, 1 

Amos Upton, 1 

William C. Pierce, 1 

Enoch Holt, 1 

Jacob Herrick, 1 

Rollin Town, 1 

Jonathan Swift, 1 

John Whitmarsh, 1 

Charles Frost, 1 

William Frost, 4th, 1 

Elijah Jordan, 1 

Nathaniel S. Frost, 1 

Silas Meriam, 1 

Daniel Hobbs, 1 

Bela Noyes, 1 

Noah 0. Stevens, 1 

David Wilkins, 1 

Jacob Tubbs, 1 



214 



NAMES OF PATRONS. 



William Knight, 1 

William R. Crockett, 1 

Nathan Morse, 1 

Ephraim S. Crockett, 1 

Joseph G. Penley, 1 

Alanson M. Dunham, 1 

William P. Richardson, 1 

Thomas H. Richardson, 1 

Joseph F. Crockett, 1 

Sewall J. Crockett, 1 

Joseph York, 1 

David M. Brown, 1 

John Richardson, 1 

Moses Parsons, . 1 

Hiram Lovejoy, 1 

Levi Millett, 1 

Jared M. Buck, 1 

John H. Millett, 1 

Thomas Briggs, 1 

Samuel S. Millett, 1 

Joseph F. Merrill, Oxford, 1 

Daniel Cummings, 1 

Calvin Richardson, 1 

Benjamin Witt, 1 

Mrs. Austin Buck, 1 
Cha's Young, jr.Greenwood, 1 

Daniel Green, 1 

Levi Frank, 1 

James C. Bennett, 1 

Thomas R. Lovejoy, 1 

Lemuel Lovejoj, 1 

John B. Brown, Portland, 1 

Robert Noyes, 1 
David S. Andrews, Otisfield, 1 

Geo. W. Patch, Greenwood, 1 



S. H. Houghton, Greenwood, 1 
Ehas H. Bemis, 1 

Samuel A.Webber, Oxford, 1 
Ich. B. Verrill, Greenwood, 1 
Alexander Crooker, Minot, 1 
Wilham S. Allen, Oxford, 1 
William Young, 1 

Wilham Gallison, Paris, 1 
William K. Kimball, " 1 

Joshua B. Crockett, 1 

Alva B. Davis, 1 

William W. Hobbs, 1 

Cornelius W. Hobbs, 1 

Reuben Favor, Paris, 1 

John W. Noble, Waterford, 1 
Hon. E. Gerry, « 1 

Benjamin G. Holt, 1 

Henry H, Hobbs, 1 

Henry Houghton, 1 

Dr. J. S. IMillett, 2 

David F. Noyes, 1 

Bezaleel A. Cushman, 1 

Rev. H. W. Strong, 1 

Levi T. Boothby, Paris, 1 
George J. Ordway, Portland, 2 
Thomas J. Cox, Augusta, 1 
Benjamin Crockett, Oxford, 1 
Dr. Thos. Roberts, Rumford, 1 
John Parsons, Paris, 1 

Ward Noyes, Portland, 1 
Bowers Barton, Boston, 1 
Ajalon Godwin, Rumford, 1 
John Dennett, Paris, 1 

Wm. H. Sweetser, Boston, 1 
G. G. Waterhouse, Portland, 1 



NAMES OF PATRONS. 



21^ 



Alva Ilobbs, Greenwood, 1 

Cha's H. Crocker, " 1 

John Noyes, " 1 

Simon Noble, 1 

Mrs. Rebekah Ames, 1 

Asa S. Pool, Portland, 1 

R.R.Robinson, " 2 
Increase Robinson, Skow'g'nl 

Samuel Cobb, 1 



Sylvanua Cobb, jr., 1 

Fred. Coburn, Greenwood, 1 
Malbory Brown,Waterford, 1 
Daniel Chaplin, " 1 

N. Abbott, 2d, Andover, Ms. 1 
Thomas Crocker, Paris, 1 
Thomas Ellis, 1 

George W. Millett, 6 

Charles F. Parkhurst, 6 



ERRATA. 

Pace 13, bottom line, for "cataract" read precipice. 
" 23, 15th line from bottom, for " Middelton " read Middleton. 
" 25, 16th " " " "bouhgt" read bought. 

" 27, 5th line from top, for "Febtury" read February. 
" 28, 12th " " " "to far" read too far. 
" 59, bottom line, for " stereotpyed " read stereotyped. 
" 79, 14th line from top, for "came" read come. 
" 97,9th " " " " the the " read the. 

" 125,18th " " " "Greenwcod" read Greenwood, 

" 129, bottom line, for "1741" read $1741. 

" 146, 2d line from bottom, for "brrn" read barn, 

" 158, 2d " " " " conseqence " read consequence. 

" 205, 7th " " " "J, dysen-" read 2, dysen-. 



The printer regrets that these typographical errors were not de- 
tected until an hour too late for their correction. They are as 
mortifying to his eye as they can be odious to that of the reader. 
But, as the author says in his preface of his own errors, " instead 
of wondering at a few mistakes, it should be a greater wonder that 
there are not more ; " for, if the compositor has not had many 
" irons in the fire," he has had perplexities of which readers can 
not know. In the revised and enlarged edition of 1952j the errors, 
doubtless, will be expunged. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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